Involving Slow Diffusion Patents (Class 239/6)
  • Patent number: 7159792
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Christopher D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7137570
    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 include a tacky or clingy attachment surface to contact and cling to a support surface by mechanical or specific adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Christopher D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7007862
    Abstract: A lightweight, free-body and buoyant dispenser that is centrifugally actuated for releasing a laundry product following the spin cycle includes a housing that has one or more covered apertures one of which is exposed during the spin cycle. The laundry product, which is a liquid, solid, gel powder, or mixture thereof, however, does not exit the dispenser until the spinning has subsided. Disc-shaped dispensers having two apertures that are covered by biased-doors are especially suited for delivering laundry agents for post-spin cycle treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Co.
    Inventors: Ken Chiang, Michael J. Petrin, Timothy M. Soto, Frank M. Knafelc
  • Patent number: 6969008
    Abstract: A fragrance sampling system for use in a store comprises a piezoelectrically vibrated orifice plate atomizer mounted to extend from a support structure in the store, such as a shelf and operated to emit puffs of very small droplets of the liquid fragrance and eject them upwardly into the atmosphere such that they become fully evaporated before contacting any supporting surface. The atomizer is controlled by electrical circuits which limit the times during which atomization occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward J. Martens, III, Scott D. Walter, William D. Perez, Thomas Jaworski
  • Publication number: 20040169091
    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 include a tacky or clingy attachment surface to contact and cling to a support surface by mechanical or specific adhesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Christopher D. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040086677
    Abstract: A multilayer structure with improved permeation for atmospheric diffusion of aromatic products wherein the structure comprises: a permeable membrane wherein said permeable membrane comprises at least two polymeric layers wherein the polymer of each layer is independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene methylacrylate copolymer; a release layer wherein said release layer comprises a nylon polymer or a ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein the release layer is adhered to most inner polymeric layer of the permeable member which comprises the permeable membrane and wherein the adhesion between release layer and the adjacent layer of the polymeric permeable membrane is a relatively weak bond compared to the bond between the layers of the polymeric permeable membrane; and an impermeable membrane wherein said impermeable membrane comprises one or more layers wherein the materials which comprise the individual layers of the imper
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: William E. Bowen, Lee J. Murray, Patricia M. McCarry
  • Publication number: 20040026527
    Abstract: A metering device for the conveyance of small substance quantities out of a reservoir into an application space by a diaphragm micropump that can be used, in particular, for the conveyance of small doses of gases includes the diaphragm micropump conveying an aromatic through a nozzle/diffuser system in fixed doses out of a reservoir first into a pump chamber and subsequently into an application space. As such, by the action of the diaphragm micropump, the volume and pressure of the pump chamber are varied so that aromatic is alternately drawn out of the reservoir into the pump chamber and pressed out of the pump chamber into the application space. In the event of a periodic change in the volume of the pump chamber, a substance located in the reservoir is, thus, conveyed slowly and in predetermined minimal doses into the application space in the course of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Fricke
  • Patent number: 6655604
    Abstract: A deer scent emitter including a housing, a scent container in the housing, at least one first opening in the housing, at least one second opening in the scent container, a timer in the housing, and a linkage coupling the timer to the scent container for periodically effecting communication between the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Paul L. Tuttobene, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6638591
    Abstract: A multilayer structure with improved permeation for atmospheric diffusion of aromatic products wherein the structure comprises, a permeable membrane wherein said permeable membrane comprises at least two polymeric layers wherein the polymer of each layer is independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene methylacrylate copolymer; a release layer wherein said release layer comprises a nylon polymer or a ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein the release layer is adhered to most inner polymeric layer of the permeable-member which comprises the permeable membrane and wherein the adhesion between release layer and the adjacent layer of the polymeric permeable membrane is a relatively weak bond compared to the bond between the layers of the polymeric permeable membrane; and an impermeable membrane wherein said impermeable membrane comprises one or more layers wherein the materials which comprise the individual layers of the imper
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: William E. Bowen, Lee J. Murray, Patricia M. McCarry
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030132305
    Abstract: The invention described herein is a framed fluid delivery device that is made up of a fluid-delivery cartridge for the timed-release delivery of a fluid contained therein, and a frame assembly for retaining the fluid delivery cartridge. The frame assembly is made up of a base portion that facilitates the delivery of fluid released from the fluid-delivery cartridge, at least one side panel associated with the base, and that secures the fluid-delivery cartridge within the frame assembly proximate the released fluid delivering means. Additionally, a fluid delivery device is disclosed that includes a fluid-delivery cartridge for the timed-release delivery of a fluid contained therein, the cartridge having a bottom, a top, and sides, and a dispersion pad positioned proximate the bottom of the fluid-delivery cartridge, wherein the dispersion pad at least partially surrounds the sides of the fluid-delivery cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Truman Wold, John J. McEvoy
  • Publication number: 20030094501
    Abstract: An air freshener or insecticide dispenser apparatus comprises a reservoir, an electrochemical cell for generating a gas, and varying its rate of release. The gas generated acts on the air freshener or insecticidal composition to dispense said composition from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Shaun Patrick Rymer, Clare Louise Robinson
  • Publication number: 20030094503
    Abstract: In an apparatus for dispensing a volatile substance from a main reservoir, a second reservoir is provided which contains an additional quantity of the volatile substance. The substance is dispensed from the second reservoir during a delay period in which it cannot be dispensed from the main reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Shaun Patrick Rymer, Clare Louise Robinson
  • Publication number: 20030066901
    Abstract: A deer scent emitter including a housing, a scent container in the housing, at least one first opening in the housing, at least one second opening in the scent container, a timer in the housing, and a linkage coupling the timer to the scent container for periodically effecting communication between the first and second openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Paul L. Tuttobene
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020179727
    Abstract: A deer scent emitter including a housing, a scent container in the housing, at least one first opening in the housing, at least one second opening in the scent container, a timer in the housing, and a linkage coupling the timer to the scent container for periodically effecting communication between the first and second openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Paul L. Tuttobene
  • 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: 6358577
    Abstract: A multilayer structure with improved permeation for atmospheric diffusion of aromatic products wherein the structure comprises: a permeable membrane wherein said permeable membrane comprises at least two polymeric layers wherein the polymer of each layer is independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene methylacrylate copolymer; a release layer wherein said release layer comprises a nylon polymer or a ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein the release layer is adhered to most inner polymeric layer of the permeable member which comprises the permeable membrane and wherein the adhesion between release layer and the adjacent layer of the polymeric permeable membrane is a relatively weak bond compared to the bond between the layers of the polymeric permeable membrane; and an impermeable membrane wherein said impermeable membrane comprises one or more layers wherein the materials which comprise the individual layers of the imper
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: William E. Bowen, Lee J. Murray, Patricia M. McCarry
  • Patent number: 6168088
    Abstract: A method for applying air freshener within an automobile is disclosed. The method includes the steps of retrieving an air freshener card, locating a substantially hidden position within the automobile, and placing the air freshener card at the substantially hidden position. An air freshener card and method for making the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: David Mobley
  • 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: 6149069
    Abstract: A humidifier bottle assembly and a method for operating a humidifier are presented. The humidifier bottle assembly includes a humidifier bottle adapted to hold water and a humidifier bottle receptacle adapted to receive the humidifier bottle. The receptacle includes a pivot point about which the bottle pivots and a biasing member adapted to situate the bottle in a given angular position in response to the amount of water contained in the bottle. In particular embodiments, the biasing member causes the bottle to assume the given angular position within the receptacle when the bottle is empty, and further, the biasing member is adapted such that the bottle pivots from the given angular position within the receptacle when the bottle contains water. The amount of angular displacement of the bottle from the given angular position is a function of the amount of water present within the bottle, and thus, may be used to communicate the amount of water contained in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Terrence L. Stanek, Mark J. Tomasiak
  • Patent number: 6109537
    Abstract: A release rate modulator for use with membrane-based formulations systems to control the release of a substance. The release rate modulator is formed from perforated polypropylene containing approximately 36 holes/cm.sup.2. Each hole is approximately 1 mm.sup.2 in size. The flow of substance passes through the holes and the membrane before reaching the surrounding environment. The use of the modulator improves the duration of substance release and provides a more constant release of the substance compared to unpredictable release rates obtained when the formulations systems did not contain the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Robert R. Heath
  • Patent number: 6045055
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for delivering a fluid to the surrounding environment. The device includes a housing having an interior region and at least one opening, a fluid contained within the interior region, and a device means to force the fluid through the opening, and against gravity. Such a forcing device preferably comprises a gas generating pump, designed to force fluid positioned below the opening through a channel or conduit and out of the housing. Moreover, the opening in the housing may be associated with a member for controllably releasing fluid from the housing, for instance one or more porous plugs, an emanator pad, a decorative element or an adjustable valve. Additionally, the invention contemplates the use of a moveable member, such as a piston, flexible bladder, or expandable bladder, to separate the fluid from the gas generating pump and assist is forcing fluid out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, John Joseph McEvoy, Truman Christian Wold, II
  • Patent number: 6012643
    Abstract: A device for the controlled release of vapour and a method of dispensing a volatile medium into the air. The device includes a carrier impregnated with a volatile medium and a wrapper of flexible material surrounding said carrier for retaining the volatile medium on the carrier. Said wrapper has a plurality of contiguous tear strips arranged in longitudinal sequence disposed over the carrier that may be successively removed to expose a portion of the carrier of increasing size without any need to provide for relative movement of the wrapper and carrier. The method of dispensing a volatile medium into the air includes providing such a device, removing a first tear strip to expose a portion of the carrier, and subsequently removing an additional tear strip to expose a fresh area of carrier to maintain the concentration of volatile medium at a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian John Barlow, Keith J. Greatbatch
  • 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: 5899381
    Abstract: An electrically controlled pump (20) for dispersing a volatile substance into a local environment includes an enclosure defining a volume, a moveable member (52) separating the enclosure into first (54) and second (56) chambers (the second chamber containing non-solid composition which includes a volatile substance), an electrochemical cell (48) for generating gas. The electrochemical cell is associated with the enclosure, and is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A port preferably communicates the second chamber with a medium for dispersing the volatile substance into the local environment. Also, a case (58) may encase the pump and hold it in an upright position with respect to a surface upon which the case is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Gordon, Ashok V. Joshi, Giorgio di Palma
  • Patent number: 5804264
    Abstract: A multilayer permeable membrane with a release layer for the packaging of aromatic condensation products. The permeable membrane has a first layer comprising low density polyethylene, a second layer comprising ultra low density polyethylene and a third layer comprising low density polyethylene. The release layer is adhered to the first layer and may be peeled away from the permeable membrane to expose the membrane and provide for the controlled release of vapors over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventor: William Edmund Bowen
  • Patent number: 5497942
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the delivery of various dispersants to a surrounding environment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a composite membrane which is resistant to wetting by low surface tension dispersant emitting substances and provides an essentially uniform rate of release of dispersant into the environment. Previous problems of inconsistent dispersant release and apparatus leakage are avoided and a more durable, compact, and reliable dispersant delivery system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph D. Zingle, Mary W. Tilley, William L. Mead
  • Patent number: 5449117
    Abstract: A drop dispensing device includes a liquid ejection system, such as a timed pump mechanism, and a multi-channeled nozzle cooperative with the ejection system, for directing ejected liquid out of a container and into a chamber external to the container wherein the nozzle further includes drip tabs for forming and directing drops. The chamber is divided into a plurality of cavities and is formed by a plurality of interconnected walls. The chamber is adapted to receive the nozzle and includes a raised drainage orifice for each cavity such that the drainage orifice is operatively coupled to a guide tube for simultaneously guiding draining drops from the chamber to a plurality of selected surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Technical Concepts, L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Muderlak, Rocky Shieh
  • Patent number: 5307584
    Abstract: A deer scent dispenser is provided for use in the field to attract deer. The dispenser is comprised of a cylindrical container provided with a bottom reservoir for liquid deer scent. The upper part of the container has plastic screen walls which hold a wick of absorbent biodegradable rayon, cotton or the like. The wick is supported upon a spindle and spaced from the interior wall of the container to provide for maximum diffusion and avoid dripping of scent on the wall. A cap closes the container at the top and a loop or bail detachable at one end for fitting over a support such as a branch is provided for supporting the container. The screen wall of the container has openings of a sufficient size to provide visual inspection for the condition of the wick and the reservoir and to receive a probe for moving the wick to ascertain the level of the liquid. The reservoir may be filled with liquid from the top by opening the cap or through the screen by slightly tilting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Robert Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5238187
    Abstract: Apparatus including a liquid vaporizer having a first wick of linear shape, a bottle for holding the liquid to be vaporized and a gravity-flow metering device having a second wick. The bottle has a closing cap to which two tubes are connected. One tube discharges the liquid from the bottle and the other extends through the cap to the opposite end of the bottle for counteracting the vacuum which is produced when liquid is discharged. The end of the discharging tube extends outwardly of the cap further than the end of the other tube so that a pool is produced in the dispenser. The level of the pool is limited by the position of the end of the tube for counteracting the vacuum. The second wick is of J-shape; one end is immersed in the pool and the other end is suspended over the first wick so that liquid absorbed at the immersed end drips from the second wick on the first wick and is evaporated and diffused from the first wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Surco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Zlotnik, Arnold Zlotnik, John A. Austin
  • Patent number: 5156334
    Abstract: A trace component dispensing system where a permeand in a container is exposed to an elongated permeation member in the container where the permeation member has a bore sized to control the rate of permeate flow. For low pressure application a tubing is inserted into the bore to pass carrier gas across the surface of the bore and to intermix with permeate. Fluids can be input to the container to block impurities from the permeate gas. The effective surface area can be controlled to control the rate of permeate flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventors: Charles L. Kimbell, Lemuel H. Barclay
  • Patent number: 5071621
    Abstract: A method of supplying scents to a room of a motor-car. In this method, a scent holder is provided within the room of the motor vehicle, the scent holder containing scents bearing materials for emitting different scents useful for a driver of the motor vehicle. Reference data for respective driving conditions of the motor vehicle are stored, the reference data indicating need for supply of respective scents. After storing the reference data, a driving condition of the motor vehicle is detected for producing an electric drive signal representing the driving condition. The drive signal thus produced is compared with a corresponding reference datum for determining whether or not the detected driving condition requires one of the scents contained in the scent holder. When the detected driving condition requires the one scent, one scent bearing material containing the one scent is selected. Then, the one scent from the one scent bearing material is supplied to the room of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Shimizu Construction Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Tokuhiro, Norihiro Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5060858
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing volatile products present in a gel in which the gel is anchored to the dispenser throughout the perimeter of an emanating surface of the gel from which the volatile products are dispensed. The emanating surface is replenished from a reservoir of gel within the dispenser while the emanating surface remains substantially stable and free of shrinkage as a result of its anchorage to the container. The anchoring means may be a porous material or appropriately shaped flanges and openings adjacent the emanating surface in the structure of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Wessel Fragrances, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Santini
  • Patent number: 4979673
    Abstract: A device is disclosed which achieves a constant rate of release of an active ingredient in the temperature range of 5.degree. to 45.degree. C., which comprises a container having at least a portion of its surface membrane consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers thereof, said membrane having a thickness of less than 6 mil, and within the container a solution of active ingredient in a solvent in contact with a negative release modulator, wherein the negative release modulator is less miscible with the solution at 5.degree. C. than at 45.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Immanuel J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 4971669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the vaporization of volatile active compounds and mixtures of active compounds according to which the active compound or the mixture of active compounds is conveyed from its storage vessel by the use of an electrolytically produced gas stream into the room which is to be supplied with a vaporizing mixture of active compounds, and is there caused to vaporize directly or by the use of inert vaporizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Haarmann & Reimer GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wrede, Norbert Rohde
  • Patent number: 4921636
    Abstract: Time duration indicator systems comprising a porous inert carrier and a volatile liquid, capable of reversibly changing the visual properties of the carrier. Such indicator systems can be used for products having a limited duration of use or life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Naarden International N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus C. Traas
  • Patent number: 4905898
    Abstract: An aesthetically enhanced carton having an opening in one wall through which the open top of a bag is laced or threaded enabling the bag to be supported and enclosed within the carton while communicating the interior of the bag and the exterior of the carton through a passage extending through the neck of the bag. When used with room fragrant potpourri, the scent of the potpourri is controllably released to the ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Aromatique, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip C. Wade
  • Patent number: 4898328
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a volatile liquid as a vapor includes a porous support of natural or synthetic woven or non-woven fibre, porous glasses, porous plastics (optionally in film form), parchment, leather or rubber provided with an organopolysiloxane material which serves to close the pores of the support to the passage of liquid but permits the passage of vapour from the liquid. The volatile liquid is a perfume, insecticide, insect repellant, insect attractant, higher animal repellant, corrosion inhibitor, a germicidal agent or a medicament. A space treatment vapor emanating device is thus provided the external surface of which device is dry to the touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Products Limited
    Inventors: Rodney T. Fox, Philip W. Goreham
  • Patent number: 4815659
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasing gaseous material into the atmosphere employs a sorbent material that is sorptively saturated with a predetermined quantity of the gaseous material at a predetermined pressure, preferably approximately equal to atmospheric pressure. The gaseous material to be released preferably has a vapor pressure lower than the predetermined pressure at which the sorbent material is sorptively saturated. The apparatus also includes capability of selectively exposing the sorbent material to the atmosphere in order to allow the gaseous material to be desorptively released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Michigan Consolidated Gas Company
    Inventors: John W. Turko, Kenneth S. Czerwinski
  • Patent number: 4793555
    Abstract: Films and coatings formed from a specified class of organosiloxane/urethane copolymers are unique by virtue of their high permeability to volatile ingredients in the form of aqueous compositions and their inertness to the ingredients of these compositions. Containers wherein at least a portion of the walls comprise films or coatings formed from these copolymers are used to achieve the controlled release of volatile fragrances and biologically active agents from aqueous compositions confined within the container into the adjacent atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Long Lee, Gerald A. Gornowicz, Frank P. Larkin, Ryuzo Mikami
  • Patent number: 4762275
    Abstract: A diffuser for volatile liquids. The diffuser includes an absorbent carrier for accepting and diffusing a volatile liquid, a container for storing a volatile liquid, and a pointed element for piercing the perforable container to establish direct communication for flow of volatile liquid between the perforable container and the absorbent carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Societe International de Fabrication et de Diffusion de Produits Parfumes-I.P.P.
    Inventors: Wendel Herbert, Wendel Serge
  • Patent number: 4759501
    Abstract: Fragrance dispensing system and process are provided by separately utilizable dispensing apparatus and a source of fragrant dispersant. The dispensing apparatus is charged and recharged by use of the source of aerosol dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Silvenis, Daniel C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4753389
    Abstract: An improved system and method for providing a controlled release of vapors from a vaporizable material such as a fragrance material provided in a container for air freshening. The system includes a sealable container containing a porous reservoir medium, which contains a liquid fragrance material in communication with a plenum cavity for accumulation of vapors therein without reaching a pressure equilibrium with the liquid source. A permeable barrier is provided between the plenum and the atmosphere for metered release of vapors through an aperture provided in an impermeable barrier to the atmosphere. The reservoir medium contains capillaries and the surface area of the reservoir medium adjacent the plenum is made large compared to that of the apertures in the impermeable barrier. Thus, the conversion of a liquid phase fragrance material in the reservoir absorbent material to vapor phase for dispersal to the surrounding air is controlled so that the service life of the device is substantially extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: American Felt & Filter Company
    Inventor: Norman Davis
  • Patent number: 4638057
    Abstract: A porous cellulose acetate molding containing an odoriferous substance is provided which is prepared by incorporating an odoriferous substance in a porous molding comprising cellulose acetate having a combined acetic acid of 50 to 58%, a pore volume of at least 0.65 cc/g and a collapsing strength of at least 10 kg. Said porous cellulose acetate may be one which is surface-saponified. Examples of the odoriferous substances include volatile substances such as insect repellents, antibacterials and mold inhibitors. Said porous cellulose acetate molding can adsorb the odoriferous substances fully without substantially changing its shape and persistently volatilize the substance for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Takahashi, Manabu Uchida, Kazuhiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 4614299
    Abstract: Described is an article which dispenses at a constant rate a volatile composition of matter into the atmosphere surrounding the article which volatile composition of matter can be, for example, a perfume composition or air freshener, which article is a container which is a hollow totally enclosed flexible, rigid or partially flexible-partially rigid structure comprising a thin shell totally enclosing an inner void, with the thin shell having a part thereof as a microporous polymer which contains a plurality of finite filler particles which that when the article is located in the ambient environment, the volatile material molecules are passed through the microporous polymer by means of an adsorption desorption mechanism or by means of capillary action. The volatile substance which is a composition of matter is enabled to pass through the microporous polymer at a constant mass flow rate of both the individual volatile components and the total composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Augustinus G. Van Loveren, Marina A. Munteanu, Geoffrey B. Seaber
  • Patent number: 4605165
    Abstract: Described is an article useful for dispensing at a constant rate, continuously or discontinuously for discrete periods of time a volatile composition of matter such as an air freshener or perfume composition into the atmosphere surrounding said article, the article being a hollow totally enclosed flexible, rigid or partially flexible-partially rigid structure comprising a thin shell totally enclosing an inner void with part of the thin shell comprising a microporous polymer containing a plurality of finite solid filler particles whereby when the article is located in the ambient environment, the volatile material molecules are transported through the porous polymer at a substantially constant mass flow rate both of the individual volatile components and totally through the porous polymer. The functioning of the article is enabled because the microporous polymer section has (i) the property of transporting water vapor at a rate of between 50 up to 1000 g/m.sup.2 /day at about 25.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Augustinus G. Van Loveren, Marina A. Munteanu, Geoffrey B. Seaber
  • Patent number: 4600146
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel integrated body of an elongated form capable of sustainedly releasing vapor of a vaporizable substance contained in the body into the atmosphere, such as an aromatic compound, pesticide, fungicide and a sex pheromone as a means for the control of a pest. The inventive sustainedly vapor-releasing integrated body is very advantageous in the high efficiency of shaping into desired configuration and setting or installation in the field in large numbers by virtue of the good shape-retainability as a result of the integrated structure composed of a capillary tubing of a polymeric material filled with the vaporizable substance and a metal wire with plastic deformability and a sufficiently large cross section and integrated side-by-side with the capillary tubing to retain the latter in the compulsorily deformed disposition. The inventive integrated bodies are suitable for mass production in a relatively simple process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Ohno
  • Patent number: 4454987
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dispensing fragrances of odorant, alcohols over prolonged periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Union Camp Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: RE32513
    Abstract: Described is a hollow container comprising a shell which is at least partially porous, containing an entrapped volatile substance and a process for dispensing the volatile substance at a visibly detectable rate, continuously or discontinuously, for discrete periods of time at a steady state, the volatile composition being in the alternative, a perfume composition, a deodorant composition, an air freshener composition, an insecticide composition, a herbicide composition, an odor masking composition, a pheremone composition, an animal repellent composition, or an insect repellent composition. The said container containing the entrapped volatile substance ceases to operate, discretely, when said container is placed in an outer air-tight container. The structure consisting of the outer container and the inner container is also a part of our invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Seaber, Augustinus G. van Loveren, Marina A. Munteanu