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: Ice-clad machinery and equipment in very cold environments are made more easily recoverable by enclosing the machinery and equipment in an environmentally contained area and introducing desiccant dehumidified air into the contained area to lower the vapor pressure in fostering a “sublimation” process conversion from the solid state of the ice to a gaseous state which can be exhausted without first going through any intermediate liquid state.

Abstract: A self-emptying air freshener device for use in garbage receptacles. The air freshener device is attached to the inside upper rim of a garbage receptacle and an air freshener element is placed inside. The air freshener element distributes the desired fragrance into the garbage receptacle. When the garbage receptacle is inverted to dump the contents into a garbage truck or larger bin, the lid of the air freshener device opens allowing the spent air freshener element to discharge. The user will place a new air freshener element into the air freshener device air after each time the garbage receptacle is emptied.

Abstract: A thermoformed container is provided for evaporating volatile substances, which is provided with means enabling such container to withstand high temperatures without experiencing deformations which deteriorate its functionality or appearance. The container has a reinforcing film having a deformation temperature exceeding the plastic material sheet with which the container is obtained. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing said container.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes a scent material interspersed within a polymer body or a polymer gel, and capable of dispersing out of the polymer gel. The polymer body and a polymer gel can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The air freshener can have at least one vent rod configured to engage an air vent, a head pivotally coupled to the at least one vent rod and a polymer body associated with the head and at least one vent rod and containing scent material. The air freshener also may be combined with a packaging system to present the air freshener for purchase, and have a pivotal head pivoted to display the head in the packaging.

Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals, and refill units for use therewith. Some of these devices have a well facing the heater and a transparent wall to view the use up of the air treatment chemical. Other of these devices have a refill with wells positioned in opposing directions.

Abstract: A scent strip is applied to envelopes and bags as well as greeting cards sold in stores and includes a plastic foam elastomeric substrate containing micro-encapsulated scented material. A marketing activation tab is affixed to a protective release liner to aid in manually peeling the liner off of the greeting card while at the same time preventing the greeting card from being inserted into an envelope used to send the greeting card, unless the protective security release liner is separated from the greeting card, enabling subsequent scent release by a recipient of the card. Also, the protective security release liner has a small window therein, enabling a prospective product purchaser to scratch the scent strip and sniff a small amount of sampled scented material passing through the small window from the scent material containing substrate, and yet preventing undesirable release of substantial scent material within a store selling the product.

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: An aromatic drain device comprising a perforate retaining device defining a volume for retaining an aromatic media therein, the retaining device releasably secured to a removable drain cover and positioned to extend below the drain cover into the cavity defined by the floor drain wall.

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: The present invention provides a dispensing device used for the slow controlled dispensing and diffusion of gels and thickened liquids. More particularly, the present invention relates to wick type air freshening devices, which employ a wick to convey materials from an enclosed container by capillary action.

Abstract: In general, a vapor-dispensing device (300) includes an indicator system. The indicator system may be configured to automatically indicate the availability status of a vaporizable material within the vapor-dispensing device. The indicator system may comprise a flag or similar object that may be configured to move from a first position to a second position to indicate the availability of the vaporizable material. For example, the availability of a gel type air freshener may be determined from a distance by observing a physical indicator associated with the air freshener. In accordance with another aspect, the indicator system includes two portions (310, 320) of a vapor-dispensing device that are configured to move relative to each other to indicate the availability of the vaporizable material. For example, a gel type vapor-dispensing device may be configured to automatically close when the gel type matrix is substantially exhausted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a candle flame. A candle flame may be provided in a controllable environment, e.g., a semi-enclosed area formed at least in part by a cover. Air may be forced into the semi-enclosed area by an air movement device (e.g., a fan) to diffuse a candle's fragrance. The fragrance diffusion rate may be reduced by reducing (e.g., stopping) air flow into the semi-enclosed area.

Abstract: A rolling lint and pet and human hair remover will function in at least two different positions and with the option of extending the handle in order to reach hard to reach places for use in automobiles, homes, and other locations, as well as on a person's clothing. The handle is foldable against the lint roller portion for compact storage and for use in tight places. An air-freshener body may be incorporated into the lint roller portion. Air-freshener beads are placed inside the air-freshener body and give off an aromatic fragrance while the lint remover is in use due to the tumbling action of the air-freshener beads inside the lint roller as it is rolled. A plurality of holes in the air-freshener body allow the aromatic fragrance to flow out and away from the lint roller.

Abstract: An active volatile liquid-dispensing device comprising a gel and a separate source of active volatile liquid (“the source”), the gel (a) comprising volatile material the emission of which causes the reduction in size of least one physical property of the gel, and (b) being equipped with a screening means that screens the source from the atmosphere, which screening means is caused to open by the size reduction in physical property, thus causing a progressively greater exposure of the source to the atmosphere with passage of time, the exposure of the gel to the atmosphere remaining essentially constant. The physical property utilised is usually reduction in weight or shrinkage in physical dimensions. The devices permit a more controlled release of active into the atmosphere and a longer life, and are especially useful as air fresheners.

Abstract: A vaporizer for receiving and vaporizing particulate material, comprising: a heater having a reticulated material structure composed of ligands that define voids adapted to receive particulate materials, wherein the voids comprise greater than 85% of the volume of the reticulated material structure so that delivery of particulate material into the voids and conduction of vaporized material from the voids is facilitated; causes heat to be produced or conducted by the ligands to cause the particulate material in the voids to vaporize and be conducted through the voids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffusion device (1) for an automotive vehicle. The diffusion device (1) comprises a housing (2) with an ambiant air inlet (3), a treated air outlet (3), a diffusion chamber (4) and an insert (7). The insert (7) is located inside the diffusion chamber (4) and contains at least one volatile agent (AV1). The insert (7) can rotate via an electric motor (12) for selectively diffusing or not the volatile agent (AV1). The diffusion device (1) also comprises a blower (13) fixed on the housing (2).

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: Fragrance dispenser products and methods of manufacture are disclosed. For example, one embodiment of a fragrance dispenser according to the present invention includes a container having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a cavity; a quantity of gel disposed within the cavity, the quantity of gel having a fragrance and configured to evaporate when exposed to air, wherein the container is configured to engage with a mounting bracket; and at least one opening defined by and extending through the outer and inner surfaces, the opening configured to expose the quantity of gel to air and to provide a visual indication of the quantity of gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to an air freshening or purifying device comprising a primary container comprising an inner section and outer section each having a circumferential side wall. One of the sections has retaining means which defines at least one vapour release aperture and the other having a base. The inner section side wall is dimensioned so as to fit inside the outer section side wall, the two sections being interlockable to form the primary container. A refill container has a gel receiving surface having at least one recess for receiving a gel composition, and is located and firmly held within the primary container, the base being provided with means for attachment of the device to a surface.

Abstract: A display frame with a refill holder comprises a transparent block with front and rear faces. A U-shaped mounting member is attached to the rear face about an outer periphery of same. The U-shaped mounting member has an inwardly extending wall. A channel is formed in a space between the rear face and the inwardly extending wall. A protrusion is attached to the rear face of the frame, wherein the protrusion in combination with the inwardly extending wall are configured to distance the rear face from a support surface when the frame is in a substantially horizontal position and provide a substantially unimpeded air passage adjacent the rear face.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a package of a volatile substances which comprises a bag having a volatile substance with an antibacterial action enclosed therein, and a case having the bag enclosed therein, wherein the case is allowed to have a size and shape complying with the amount of a volatile substance having permeated the bag so that the shape of the case can be adapted to the volumes and shapes of various air conditioners, while the volatile substance can be volatilized at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A disposable air freshener configured to be connected to a USB port of a computer or computer peripheral device. In one embodiment, the disposable air freshener comprises a casing fabricated from a plurality of sections that have generally the same shape. At least one of these sections is configured as scented cardboard. The disposable air freshener has a printed circuit board and a heating element electrically connected to the printed circuit board. A portion of the printed circuit board extends from the casing and is configured to be inserted into a USB port so that electrical power can be applied to the printed circuit board. The heating element generates heat when it receives electrical power from the printed circuit board. Thus, when electrical power is applied to the printed circuit board, the heating element generates heat which causes the scented cardboard to emit a pleasant scent or aroma. The casing of the air freshener can be configured to have almost any geometric shape, e.g.

Abstract: A drain stopper adapted for retrofit application to the drain assembly of an existing sink, tub or other water retaining basin. The drain stopper of the present invention comprises an elongate connecting rod having an end cap threadably engaged to one end thereof. Also cooperatively engaged to the connecting rod is a filter basket, one open end of which is enclosed by the threadable engagement of the end cap to the connecting rod. The selective detachment of the end cap from the connecting rod allows the interior of the filter basket to be filled with a suitable deodorizer. The filter basket may optionally be provided with a plurality of projections which are sized and configured to capture hair or other debris passing into a drain opening in which the drain stopper is positioned.

Abstract: A chemical delivery assembly includes a heating element which provides an exothermic chemical reaction, a chemical storage device configured for emitting a volatilized chemical therefrom, and a container including a bottom section and a top section, the heating element coupled with the bottom section, the chemical storage device coupled with the top section, the heating element being in thermal communication with the chemical storage device.

Abstract: Methods for evaporating (e.g., subliming) a material in the solid state. In one aspect, a mass of the material in the solid state is mixed with a plurality of packing units, wherein each of the packing units comprises an inert material. The structure of each of the packing units, or the structure of an aggregate of the packing units, comprises a plurality of non-smooth features. In one example, Pro-Pak™ metal meshes can be used, which have a plurality of various types of non-smooth features, including sharp edges, corners, and/or protrusions. These non-smooth features are believed to physically disrupt crust formation during the evaporation process. Also disclosed are other methods for evaporating a material and methods for fabricating an organic thin-film device.

Abstract: A vessel for conveying a precursor fluid from the vessel, comprising: an interior volume having an upper volume and a lower volume, wherein the two volumes are in communication and the lower volume contains precursor; a lid comprising a fluid inlet directing carrier gas into the vessel, a “T” fluid outlet, a sidewall having an upper lip wherein the upper lip contacts the lid; a separator interposed between the lid and the sidewall wherein the separator resides adjacent the upper lip and segments the interior volume into the upper volume and a lower volume; and an inlet plenum in communication with the fluid inlet having a plenum chamber opening towards the separator to direct the carrier gas through the separator and towards the precursor. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that contain fragrance compounds and fragrance fixatives selected from C4-C8 alkyl terephthalates. Scented compositions and scented articles containing such compositions are also provided. Also disclosed are methods for imparting a fragrance to a location and methods for formulating the compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: Assembly (1) of a body (5) including an agent that is in liquid or solid condition discharging an active gaseous substance, and a first holder (2) for the body, the first holder (2) having an accomodation space for accomodation therein of the body (5) and having a first wall which is part of the boundary of the accomodation space and which in a portion bounding the accomodation space is at least partially made of transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes a scent material interspersed within a polymer body or a polymer gel, and capable of dispersing out of the polymer gel. The polymer body and a polymer gel can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. In addition, the polymer body and the polymer gel can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape. The air freshener can be light transmissive in at least a translucent manner, and can have indicia visible therethrough.

Abstract: There is an air freshener unit and a combined container and air freshener unit. The air freshener unit is mounted onto the upper portion of the container and is comprised of a first section and a second section. In one embodiment the first section is a holder for a fragrance material and the second section is a cover for the first section. The second section in a first position covers and substantially seals the first section and in a second position allows air to pass through a space between the first section and the second section and deliver the fragrance material to the atmosphere exterior to the air freshener unit. In a second embodiment both the first section and the second section contain fragrance material.

Abstract: An open gel system for delivery of an active volatile possesses dimensions in the x, y, and z directions such as to release actives at an essentially constant rate from initiation of volatilization until completion of volatilization.

Abstract: A volatile material dispensing system with a dispenser for providing controlled release of a volatile material, the dispenser being attached to a display frame, and having at least one protrusion. Protrusions are disposed on a face of the frame to distance the membrane from a delicate surface. The system prevents and/or hinders concentration of volatile material gases that could harm a delicate surface and resists tipping from a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to an air freshening or purifying device utilizing a gel fragrance or other composition suitable for use in a vehicle. The air freshening or purifying device comprising a gel holder having at least one recess for receiving a gel, wherein a plurality of prongs project from a base of the recess, the prongs being inclined in at least two different directions to an axis perpendicular to the recess base.

Abstract: A method for providing a desired fragrance includes securing a tacky attachment surface of a pad of an air freshener to a surface by mechanical or specific adhesion. The air freshener includes a scent material carried by and dispersable through a coherent, flexible and resilient polymer carrier material. The pad is selectively removed from the surface. The pad can be selectively re-secured at a different position on the surface.

Abstract: Volatile material-containing articles of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and insecticidal treatment of ambient air includes circulating air through a permeable container having at least a treating agent therein. The treating agent is used as bactericide, fungicide, virucide and insecticide additionally to mechanical air filtering, and is distributed uniformly inside the container so as to prevent micro-organisms from developing on the container itself. The method may be applied to caloric-exchanging and air-recycling installations and appliances, and to coating elements of building surfaces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gel composition capable of bringing a benefit or effect by diffusing into its surrounding environment an active volatile. The compositions according to the invention include a water based medium, comprising an active volatile, a super-absorbent polyacrylate based polymer and a polymeric cross-linking agent having a high molecular weight and being able to be polarized with positive charges. The invention also concerns the consumer article containing, or associated with, the composition, in particular a device intended to diffuse a volatile liquid, more specifically an air-freshener.

Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).

Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing a chemical composition for hunting animals. The chemical composition is distributed in the form of a foam string. The chemical composition can be used to produce scents which attract animals or which mask human scents.

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 product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) includes a product (31, 131, 431, 531) operatively connected to a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) releasably attaches to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer to releasabty operatively connect the product (31, 131, 431, 531) thereto.

Abstract: A residual free scent dispenser for dispersion of scent having a housing and a scent container having a scent permeating material disposed therein. The housing has an air intake port and an air exhaust port. The scent container has at least one perforation and is disposed in the air exhaust port. Air is drawn into the housing through the air intake port and exhausted through at least one perforation of the scent container passing air over the scent permeating material. The principle use is for hunting, however other scent dispersing uses will benefit from this invention. For example, home or car applications will benefit from this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to a refill for an air freshening or purifying device utilizing a gel fragrance or other gel composition and to a device comprising a base container and a refill. The invention specifically comprises a refill for use with an air freshening or purifying device, said refill comprising a refill container having a gel receiving surface and an opposing rear surface, the gel receiving surface having at least one recess in which is contained a gel composition, wherein the profile of the rear surface inversely corresponds to the profile of the gel receiving surface such that it is provided with at least one projection inversely corresponding to the said recess in the gel receiving surface.

Abstract: A device is presented which automatically controls the interaction of a medium with an external environment, the temperature of which varies or remains constant. In addition to the medium, the device includes a mechanism for providing constant effectiveness of the medium in the external environment, and an automatic drive mechanism which drives the mechanism for providing constant effectiveness of the medium in the external environment. Advantageously, the device includes a receptacle for the medium, and the receptacle includes a housing incorporating the mechanism for providing constant effectiveness of the medium in the external environment, which is beneficially a movable vent or an expandable vent. The automatic drive mechanism is advantageously a temperature-responsive member or a temperature-responsive fluid movement device.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to an air freshening or purifying device utilizing a gel fragrance or other composition suitable for use in a vehicle. The air freshening or purifying device comprises a gel holder having at least one recess for receiving a gel, wherein a plurality of prongs project from a base of the recess, the prongs being inclined in at least two different directions to an axis perpendicular to the recess base.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a device for perfuming ambient air or closed spaces. An active volatile substance, like a perfume, an insect repellent or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, is evaporated from a device. The said device comprises water or an appropriate hydrophilic solvent containing said volatile the active ingredient and an absorbing material chosen from superabsorbents, starch based systems, chemically modified cellulose and natural gum and volatile substance and a superabsorbent substance which are is capable of forming a gel with water or said the hydrophilic solvent, both components being adapted to be mixed with each other in order to achieve the diffusion of said the active volatile ingredient substance from the said gel. The components are mixed with each other to form said the gel from which the perfume or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, or an insect repellent, active volatile substance diffuses uniformly and over a prolonged period of time into the surrounding air.