Solid Form Vaporizable Material Patents (Class 239/60)
  • Patent number: 6966500
    Abstract: A remote controlled scent dispensing device includes a housing that has a first wall, a second wall and a peripheral wall that extends between and is attached to the first and second walls. The peripheral wall has a peripheral break therein such that the housing is divided into a first portion and a second portion. A moving assembly is mounted in the housing and is adapted for selectively moving the first portion abutting against or positioned away from the second portion. An actuator apparatus is adapted for remotely turning on the moving assembly and selectively moving the first portion with respect to the second portion. A coupler is attached to the housing for selectively coupling the housing to a tree limb. A scent dispensing member is positioned within the housing at a juncture of the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Richard D. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6910640
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Eric R. Balz, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Ronald B. Howes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6910641
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos
  • Patent number: 6908041
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) 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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Patent number: 6899280
    Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid, and a porous wick, having a first section of a material with a pore size of a predetermined size and a second section of a material of a predetermined pore size that is greater than that of the material of the first section. The porous wick extends through an opening in the container so that when the liquid is added to the container, a lower region of the porous wick is in contact with the liquid, and an upper region of the porous wick is exposed to the ambient air. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first section and at least a portion of the second section are exposed to the ambient air. In another embodiment, only the second section is exposed to the ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara L. Kotary, Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Patent number: 6899281
    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 releasably operatively connect the product (31, 131, 431, 531) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Brian A. Chute
  • Patent number: 6883723
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Brian A. Chute, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Patent number: 6877674
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting for a motor vehicle, in particular a dashboard. The permitting the circulation of at least one stream of air, along a given path, behind at least one thickness of material defining a face of the fitting. The fitting further includes means for diffusing an active compound into the at least one stream of air. The diffusing means are capable of being introduced, wholly or in part, through at least one orifice, or passing through the thicknesses of material. The loading orifices being orientated transversely to the path of the stream. The diffusing means are held in the area of the thickness or thicknesses of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Choquet
  • Publication number: 20040262421
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Simon Hurry, Stephen Barnes, Nicholas O'Leary
  • Patent number: 6805300
    Abstract: An automotive air freshener for insertion into a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle has an elongated housing having first and second ends and opposite sides. First and second electrical contacts are in the first end of the housing and are adapted for insertion into the cigarette lighter socket so that the first and second electrical contacts can be in electrical contact with the socket. An internal circuit board has a switch and an operating current in contact with the first and second electrical contacts. Power is conveyed through the electrical contacts to the circuit board to provide heat at varying degrees to heat a fragrance pad and to operate a fragrance emitting phenomenon. A cover is connected to the circuit board to protect a user from burns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Aeron North America, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Munroe, Jeffrey L. Smith, Cheriyan B. Thomas, Jeffrey J. Grote, Bradley D. Pesu, Richard R. Ruffolo
  • Publication number: 20040188535
    Abstract: A gel air-freshener device comprising a container defining a cavity for receiving a fragrance-containing gel matrix (7), the container having an aperture (4) for permitting ingress of air into the cavity and egress of fragrance from the cavity, and having first (1) and second ends (3), which ends abut the gel-matrix (7) and move freely relative to each other as the gel matrix (7) shrinks upon evaporation of the fragrance. The device exploits the shrinkage of the gel-matrix (7) and translates this into movement of the device thereby providing a visual cue as to the condition of the gel matrix and in particular when it is exhausted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Leslie Hart, Colin William Brown, Guy Edward Naish, Simone Anderson
  • Patent number: 6779740
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) 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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lentsch, Gregory G. Griese, Stephan M. Hubig, John E. Thomas, Terry J. Klos, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Publication number: 20040135000
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to an air freshening or purifying device utilising 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, said prongs being inclined in at least two different directions to an axis perpendicular to the recess base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Bruno Buthier
  • Publication number: 20040129795
    Abstract: A dispenser of actives having a linear release rate may be achieved by providing a volatile containing gel system wherein the gel system is proportioned in specified dimensional ratios, so that the sum of the rate of volatile release from directly exposed areas of the surface of the gel system and the rate of volatile release from areas of the surface of the gel system which are not in direct exposure to the atmosphere remains essentially constant through out the life of the dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Anita Wongosari, Michael C. Liptrot, Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20040094635
    Abstract: An air freshener having a fragrance releasing gel 40 having a fragrance component which is released from the composition over a sustained period of time, the gel being substantially self-supporting. The gel comprises from about 40 to about 90% by weight of the total composition of fragrance component, does not exhibit syneresis and, in use, shrinks unidirectionally away from an exposed major surface 46 when supported in a container 30′.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Harris, Paul Hannington, Clare Ewin
  • Publication number: 20040094636
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to a refill for an air freshening or purifying device utilising 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Vern Channer
  • Patent number: 6737025
    Abstract: A scent storage device including a base member and a plurality of scent channels carried by the base member. Each scent channel includes a scent material supply and a scent activation system that selectively activates predetermined portions of the scent material supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Melissa D. Boyd, Paul H. McClelland, Marshall Field
  • Patent number: 6713024
    Abstract: The invention relates to an odor dispensing device comprising a housing and a disc shaped cartridge (3, 32) adapted to move around its rotation axis and having a plurality of discrete radially arranged compartments (5, 33), each compartment (5, 33) containing an odorant or an odorant carrier (6, 58), said housing containing means for positioning the cartridge (3, 32), means for producing an airstream to a pre-selected compartment (5, 33) in response to a signal emanating from a computer control module, a microprocessor, an optical system or a timing mechanism and means for temporarily subjecting the odor carrier (6, 58) within the compartment (5, 33) to the airstream so that an odor is discharged from the cartridge (3, 32), and entrained in the airstream, wherein the cartridge (3, 32) has a basic body (4, 34) with bottom (4f, 51) and compartments (5, 33) separated by walls, which compartments (5) of the cartridge (3) can be tightly closed and opened by covers (11) working in axial direction of the cartridge (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Aroma Technology Limited
    Inventors: John Arnell, Christos Pavlos Bakopoulos, Ahmet Ennis Baydar, Philippe Blondeau
  • Patent number: 6705541
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser having a reservoir to receive an aroma carrier, the fragrances of which can escape at least partially through a dispensing opening when pressure is exerted onto the reservoir. The reservoir may have the shape of a bottle, wherein the dispensing opening, which is preferably designed as a snap-off opening, is disposed in the thinner region, i.e at the neck of the bottle. A packaging element preferably extends beyond the dispensing region of the reservoir, the packaging element being designed in that region in such a way that it interacts with a seal of the dispensing opening of the reservoir. The reservoir or packaging element may be designed as a free-standing package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Klocke Verpackungs-Service GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Schuehrer, Klaus Renner
  • Patent number: 6698665
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Dainihon Jochugiku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Minamite, Chie Nakano
  • Publication number: 20030192958
    Abstract: A decorative air fragrance dispenser includes an open container having a base portion and a perimetric wall portion continuous with the base portion, a floral arrangement anchoring device positioned within the container; a floral arrangement secured to the floral arrangement anchoring device, and a sublimatable aromatic compound covering the floral arrangement anchoring device and providing adhesion between the floral arrangement anchoring device and said vessel. The floral anchoring device may be a collapsible polymeric foam block, multiple sandwiched layers of wire mesh, a pinpoint holder, or a block of compressed wood particles that has been drilled or pierced to accept floral stems. The floral arrangement may include artificial flowers or dried natural flowers. The sublimatable aromatic compound may be a gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Haruo Miyagi
  • Patent number: 6631852
    Abstract: A device for diffusion of an active volatile substance into ambient air or closed spaces comprising a solid casing or housing and a solid carrier containing said volatile substance. The solid carrier is arranged in at least one recess formed in the housing, said recess having a depth and a width which are chosen in relation to the composition of the solid carrier so that the ratio of the evaporation surface of the solid carrier to the mass of the solid carrier is such that a substantially constant vapor release rate and total evaporation of said active volatile substance during the active lifetime of the device is obtained. The recesses can be of various geometrical shapes in order to give a pleasant appearance. The active volatile substance can be a perfuming, deodorizing, sanitizing composition or an insect repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas O'Leary
  • Publication number: 20030175172
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: ELIOCELL S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fritz Altmann
  • Patent number: 6569907
    Abstract: To provide thermal evaporation preparations and a method of thermal evaporating chemicals whereby the chemicals can be efficiently evaporated. Thermal evaporation preparations, wherein the preparation is in the form of a solid at ordinary temperature but molten by heating into a liquid as a whole, and a chemical employed as the active ingredient is evaporated from the ingredients of the preparation thus liquefied by heating, and a method of thermal evaporating chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Earth Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuya Kubo, Shusaku Tsutsumi, Kouichi Takata, Takahiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6551560
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is two-stage mat for dispensing volatile materials. The mat is comprised of two materials varying either in thickness, thermal conductivity and/or porosity (and coated with like volatile material), or coated with volatile materials having different vaporization pressures. In either configuration, the mat provides for both an instant burst of volatile and then a sustained vaporization of volatile. Methods of using such mats are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley J. Flashinski, Daniel T. Ropiak, Donald W. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 6520826
    Abstract: A fragrance dispensing device suitable for incorporation into a plush figure. In one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, the fragrance dispensing device comprises a hollow body in the form of a sphere or a ball having a slit valve or a one-way valve disposed within the wall of the hollow body. A scented cartridge is inserted into the hollow body through the valve or some other resealable opening in the hollow body. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the fragrance dispensing device is encompassed within an appendage or the head of a stuffed animal figure. Once the hollow is charged with the fragrance cartridge, it can be compressed so as to force a discrete charge of scented air from within the hollow body, into its surrounding core material which make the filler of the stuffed animal figure. The amount of fragrance dispensed from within the hollow body is based, in part, upon the volume of the hollow body and the partial pressure of the fragrance within the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 6511726
    Abstract: A system for retaining and releasing an active compound, such as a volatile flavor oil is provided. A storage layer of foam is located between layers of diffusion material which are extrusion coated onto the storage layer. A barrier layer, such as a foil material, is peelably bonded to the film layer on one side of the storage layer. The resulting composite is adhesively secured to a closure, such as a container cap, and remains with the cap. The foil layer is fixedly bonded to a container and remains with the container after the closure is removed by a consumer. With removal of the foil layer and subsequent openings and closings to obtain product within the container, new concentrations of the active compound are created within the container head space and are available for a substantial aroma impact upon subsequent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Panagiotis Kinigakis
  • Patent number: 6435423
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a device for perfuming ambient air or closed spaces. The said device comprises water or an appropriate hydrophilic solvent containing said volatile active ingredient and an absorbing material chosen from superabsorbents, starch based systems, chemically modified cellulose and natural gum and which are capable of forming a gel with water or said hydrophilic solvent, both components being adapted to be mixed with each other in order to achieve the diffusion of said volatile ingredient from the said gel. The components are mixed with each other to form said gel from which the perfume or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, or an insect repellent, diffuses uniformly and over a prolonged period of time into the surrounding air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Firmenich SA
    Inventors: Simon Hurry, Jonathan L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6403186
    Abstract: A product sampler including a substrate layer, a barrier layer covering the substrate layer, a gelatinoid product layer covering and in contact with the barrier layer, and a barrier layer covering and in contact with the product layer is provided. The gelatinoid product layer may include a microencapsulated product, such as a fragrance. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the gelatinoid product layer includes a microencapsulated fragrance carried in a gelatinoid liquid vehicle, which vehicle may comprise, for example, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, or mixtures thereof. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the product sampler is in the form of a magazine insert having a protruding trimmable non-barrier substrate tab portion, whereby a user may remove a trim portion from the trimmable edge portion after binding the insert into a magazine without removing barrier material with the removed trim portion. Also disclosed is a product sampler in the form of a label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: AKI, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Tararuj, Patrick Donahue, Robert E. Katz, David DeSchryver, Robert Weiser
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020023968
    Abstract: A combustion exhaler for the vaporization of an insecticide or perfumed substance, comprises a housing (1, 2) having intake and exit vents (4), and a solid porous combustible element (6, 9) impregnated with said substance, placed inside said housing between said intake and exit vents, and fixed onto appropriate support means. The combustible element shows a high ratio between the mass of the active substance and the mass of the combustible element and, in one embodiment, a low mass/length ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Andrea Pedrotti, Filippo Stenico, Walter Sordo
  • Patent number: 6338296
    Abstract: A release device for slowly releasing vapors of a sprout inhibitor into a small package of potatoes is disclosed. The release device includes a container for holding finely particulate porous media which has absorbed a liquid sprout inhibitor. The container is at least partially porous with respect to sprout inhibitor vapors such that the release device may be utilized to inhibit sprouting of potatoes in small packages during shipments. The release device may further be structured to be coated to control the release rate and may further include being printed upon a porous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Darol Forsythe, John M. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 6315959
    Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore O. Mandish
  • Patent number: 6309715
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrant article that delivers fragrance over a period of time by an article comprising a polymer matrix, a fragrance and a decorative object. The decorative object is contained within a polymer matrix and in a preferred embodiment is the similar to the fragrance that is being released. The article is particularly well suited to be used as a room freshener, which because of its attractive appearance does not need to be hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome I. Lindauer, Robert Reid, Lynn Iarossi, Andrea Lynn Meyer
  • Publication number: 20010030243
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a device for perfuming ambient air or closed spaces. The said device comprises water or an appropriate hydrophilic solvent containing said volatile active ingredient and an absorbing material chosen from superabsorbents, starch based systems, chemically modified cellulose and natural gum and which are capable of forming a gel with water or said hydrophilic solvent, both components being adapted to be mixed with each other in order to achieve the diffusion of said volatile ingredient from the said gel. The components are mixed with each other to form said gel from which the perfume or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, or an insect repellent, diffuses uniformly and over a prolonged period of time into the surrounding air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Simon Hurry, Jonathan L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6270720
    Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore O. Mandish
  • Patent number: 6244518
    Abstract: A snake repellent system for use in repelling snakes so as to prevent the human user from being bitten. The snake repellent system consists of a receptacle into which is placed a quantity of garlic or onion, the aroma of which is believed to be effective in repelling snakes. The receptacle is provided with a lid having a plurality of openings for facilitating the dispersal of the garlic or onion aroma. The receptacle may be provided with a mincing rack used to mince a clove of garlic, thereby more fully releasing its aroma. The receptacle may also be provided with a means to both limit child access to the repellent substance within the receptacle and prevent removal of the repellent substance from the lid openings. An adjustable band is provided for attaching the receptacle to the arm or leg of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Thelma F. Pogue
  • Patent number: 6213409
    Abstract: Described is a time release fragrance sachet for air freshening, particularly for use in clothing storage cabinets. The sachets comprise a container fabricated from a substance either sufficiently porous for perfumes to pass therethrough or having openings capable of permitting fragrances to pass through the walls thereof. The sachets each contain thermoplastic particles which have contained in the interstices thereof fragrance materials. The polymer particles can be foamed particles produced using chemical blowing agents or direct gas extrusion processes. Also described are methods for fabricating such sachets and methods of using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragances Inc., Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Craig B. Warren, John Ramsbotham, Marcel Belt
  • Patent number: 6213412
    Abstract: A spray head assembly particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for use in conjunction with a pulse-action lubrication system that dispenses measured quantities of fluid and propels the fluid through a fluid-carrying apparatus to the spray head assembly. The spray head assembly applies the fluid, e.g., lubricant or coolant, to a target object or article, in particular, a cutting tool, at the remote end of said tube, in the form of a dispersion. The spray head assembly has a plurality of outlet apertures which are disposed at predetermined locations and at predetermined angles with respect to the target object, so as to apply the fluid to multiple surfaces of the target object and thereby ensure thorough lubrication, cooling, etc. of the surfaces of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Mist, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace G. Boelkins
  • Patent number: 6190607
    Abstract: A room air freshener adapted to be used in connection with a register vent. The structure of the freshener is especially formed to be attached to the vent register and includes a formed handle adapted to keep the freshener material adjacent to the grid of the register vent. A certain range in the amount of mass of the freshener is required for a certain volume of air for best operation of the freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mike Farmer
  • Patent number: 6171560
    Abstract: An air freshener composed of volatile substances having the appearance of a decorative snow globe. A method of making the air freshener is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Maxine Truax Pesu, Wendy E. Nitschke, Courtland Scott Parker
  • Patent number: 6165419
    Abstract: A scented air register system is provided including a vent assembly with a plurality of louvers mounted thereon. Also included is a scenting container coupled to the vent assembly and depending therefrom. Next provided is a lid assembly mounted over the scenting container and being accessible from above the vent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: David Bullock, Corrinthia Bullock
  • Patent number: 6112823
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste fire suppression control device which is attached to the base of a conventional garbage chute system. The device comprises and incorporates a sequence of two control doors. One door is a main control door which is pivotally mounted at the base of the device and which is biased towards a closed position. The main control door opens only when the weight or force of garbage on the top surface of the door is greater than a pre-determined release force. The other door is a closing plate which is held open during normal operation of the device and closes either automatically in response to elevated temperature or manually. The two control doors together and separately form a barrier to prevent smoke and fire from entering the chute system and to contain smoke and fire within the dumpster area. As well, an integrated conventional sprinkler system floods the device and dumpster below with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: James O'Leary
  • Patent number: 6089947
    Abstract: An air freshener for use in an automobile, home, or office representing an animal, cartoon character, or other figure. At least one scent-releasing capsule is inserted through a mouth formed within a body of the figure and retained therein. Optionally the body can have a distinct head member. Likewise, a hanger can be provided from which to hang the air freshener. The scent-releasing capsule releases scent through the air-permeable body and into the surrounding air. Additional fresh capsules can be inserted through the mouth and retained by the body member when the scent-releasing capsule has been spent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis E. Green
  • Patent number: 6080367
    Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jun-Ru Lin
  • Patent number: 6039266
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing volatile components of an air treating gel, which stabilizes an emanating surface of an emanating face of an enclosed air treating gel, that is structurally simple and relatively easy to manufacture. The emanating surface of the gel attaches to a grille of an aperture member fast within and adjacent a major opening of the dispenser. The aperture member is designed to support the emanating surface continuously throughout the dispensation of the volatile components and may be sized to provide vacuum relief to a bottom surface of the enclosed gel. Accordingly, the emanating surface is replenished from a reservoir of gel within the dispenser while remaining supported by the aperture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Wessel Fragrances, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Santini
  • Patent number: 6004516
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating odor upon electronic signal demand using a disk having an aroma-impregnated adsorbent and a substrate. The disk is inserted into a disk drive that receives signals from a user and/or a server computer. A controller within the disk drive supplies an electric, mechanical or thermal signal to the disk, resulting in the heating of the adsorbent. The controller may also activate a blower to distribute the scent produced by the heated adsorbent and to cool the adsorbent at the end of the scent distribution cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Firooz Rasouli, Hamid Arastoopour, Ali Oskouie
  • Patent number: 5988520
    Abstract: A trash can device, comprising an upper housing and a lower housing. The lower housing is sized to fit within the upper housing. A chemical disk containing both pesticide and deodorizing agents is located within the lower housing. The lower housing has lower housing circumference openings. The upper housing has upper housing circumference openings. The lower housing and upper housing are coaxially rotatable to selectively bring the upper housing circumference openings into alignment with the lower housing circumference openings to allow selective release of the pesticide and deodorizing agents or prevent premature release thereof. The upper housing may have a lid having a lid flange for use upon a trash can having an upper lip, such that the device covers the trash can with the lid flange extending over the upper lip of said trash can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Anna Bitner
  • Patent number: 5967412
    Abstract: A dispensing device (7) that is intended to be mounted on a vertical planar surface such as a door (10). The dispensing device (7) includes an enclosure (13) having a first opening (34) and a second opening (37) defined therein. The first opening (34) contains a first airflow valve (43) and the second opening contains a second airflow valve (46). An odorous substance (40) is disposed inside the enclosure (13) between the two airflow valves (43,46). When the door (10) swings open or closed, airflow generated along the surface of the door (10) passes through the airflow valves (43,46) to release the odors from the odorous substance (40) into the area surrounding the door (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Song Won Lee
  • Patent number: 5958115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion-inhibiting material comprising a composite containing a metal oxide gel, where necessary modified by an organic polymer, and one or more corrosion inhibitors, and to a method for the production thereof. The corrosion-inhibiting composite material is used for producing corrosion-protective packaging material, for coating metallic and metallized articles as well as for corrosion protection in confined environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignees: EXCOR Korrosionsschutz-Technolgien und--Produkte GmbH, Feinchemie GmbH Sebnitz
    Inventors: Horst Bottcher, Karl-Heinz Kallies, Georg Reinhard, Gerhard Hahn