Abstract: A stem fog generator (1) for vehicle aromatic components into a cabin and suitable for use in a vehicle, comprising a plug part (11) and a steam fog generator body (12) foldably connected to each other, wherein the plug part (11) is cylindrically formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from an accessory socket (14), a power supply from the plug part (11) is fed to a heater (71) through an operating switch (45), a loading/unloading.

Abstract: A portable heater incorporates a housing, heating element, outlet for heat generated by the heating element, and diagnostic testing capabilities that test for defective or abnormal conditions of various safety features and report their status. The features include an object sensing or cover detect function, which operates to disconnect the heater from the primary power source in the event an object is detected that may obstruct the heater outlet, a tilt sensor, which detects whether the heater has been tilted, a fuse, and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) breaker. The diagnostic testing function preferably receives power directly from the primary source of power to enable the status of the tests to be displayed whenever the heater is plugged in. Light emitting diodes preferably provide backlighting to icons representing the various features to indicate their status to the user.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plug and a heating element. The plug comprises a body in which conducting poles are mounted for connection to an electrical socket, and the heating resistance comprises a body in which at least one electrical heating element, connected by means of electrical wires to the poles of the plug, the body of the heating element having a housing to receive a wick impregnated with volatile substances. At least one bridge connects the body of the plug to the body of the heating element, so as to avoid relative translation of the body of the plug with respect to the body of the heating element. The bridge has a breakable weakened part.

Abstract: Vapor-emitting devices according to various embodiments of the invention include active end of use indicators to warn users that it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. Some embodiments of the vapor-emitting devices include intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator, while other embodiments include non-intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator. The indicators may be visual and/or auditory cues for notifying users it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device.

Abstract: The portable scent delivery device employs a housing and scent generator which selectively releases scent. The housing is suitably a headset, hat, shoulder harness or personal electronic device like a mobile telephone. The scent travels to the user's nose by diffusion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating a gaseous chemical precursor used in a vapor deposition processing system is provided which includes a canister comprising a sidewall, a top, and a bottom encompassing an interior volume therein, an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior volume, and an inlet tube extending from the inlet port into the canister. The apparatus further may contain a plurality of baffles within the interior volume extending between the top and the bottom of the canister, and a precursor slurry contained within the interior volume, wherein the precursor slurry contains a solid precursor material and a thermally conductive material that is unreactive towards the solid precursor material. In one example, the solid precursor material solid precursor material is pentakis(dimethylamino) tantalum.

Abstract: An evaporator device for active substances is designed for using active substances established in a paper tablet or the like, or in a tray with a semipermeable membrane, in gel form, comprising a base body with a U-shaped profile inside coupled by insertion to a support provided with two housings and, the former adapted in size and shape to receive within it a tray and the second to receive a tablet, so that both the tray and tablet can be placed in the same support opposite the heating surface of the device. This allows using the device equally with either format of the active substance. The device also includes a safety mechanism comprising teeth that lock in the closed position, preventing or making it difficult for children to displace or extract the support from the casing, that requires pressing inwards on two lateral opposing areas of the casing to open.

Abstract: The present invention provides vapor dispensing devices having improved refill units, detectors which sense changes in the environments surrounding the device, and optionally, make corresponding changes to the device and/or auxiliary devices, volatizable material delivery systems, volatizable material enhancers and various other features.

Abstract: The scent delivery device employs a housing and scent generator which selectively releases scent. The housing is mounted on a counter and allows a user to selectively sample a variety of scent. The scent travels to the user's nose by diffusion.

Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device useful for vaporizing fluid into an aerosol includes a capillary tube made from an electrically conductive material, an upstream electrode connected to the capillary tube, and a downstream electrode connected to the tube and provided with an electrical resistivity sufficient to cause heating of the downstream electrode during operation.

Abstract: A humidifier that includes two water reservoir compartments connected via an opening large enough to allow exchange of water between the two compartments, and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates on the water in the smaller of the two compartments downstream of the larger compartment.

Abstract: A dispersion device for dispersing volatile materials includes a housing and a plurality of receptacles containing volatile material therein. The device also includes a means for generating or permitting two or more airflows that exit the housing and a switch for adjusting the airflows with respect to speed or path. The plurality of receptacles is connected to the housing such that a portion of the volatile material can be placed into one or more airflows.

Abstract: An evaporator, for use with a bottle containing a substance to be evaporated and a wick that has its lower portion disposed within the bottle and its upper portion protruding from the bottle, includes a housing in which the bottle is retained, a fan, disposed within the housing, for creating an airstream, and a louver structure, disposed downstream of the fan, for directing the airstream created by the fan upwardly and away from the upper portion of the wick. Preferably, the louver structure includes a plurality of louvers inclined at an angle between about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to horizontal.

Abstract: The invention provides means within an improved vapor dispensing device to accommodate or compensate for multiple orientations of an outlet into which the device is to be inserted. Orientation compensation is accomplished by inverted and/or rotatable electrical adapters, universal contacts on a base member, enlarged passive dispersion channels, enlarged emanators, multiple emanators, baffles cooperating with an emanator, and/or sleeves encasing multiple wicks to allow for operation of the device in multiple orientations.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.

Abstract: A vapor-dispensing or other environment-altering apparatus is configured to integrate with a receptacle in a discreet manner. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an environment-altering apparatus is configured to mimic an electrical receptacle having an outlet pattern. The environment-altering apparatus has a front surface which includes an outlet pattern substantially corresponding to the outlet pattern of the electrical receptacle, and a plug configured to interface with the electrical receptacle. A device configured to modify one or more attributes of the environment is interposed between the front surface and plug pattern. These attributes include, for example, aromatic vapor density, insecticide vapor density, ambient light intensity, ionic air content, ultrasonic frequency intensity, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel apparatus and method that combines a nightlight and an air freshener in a single device. The apparatus includes circuitry where a single resistor heats a heating block that heats and releases a volatile aromatic. The resistor also limits the current that passes through one or more light emitting diodes. The aromatic may be liquid scented oil held by a container. The container may also include a protruding wick that is heated by the heating block to facilitate oil evaporation. The light emitting diodes illuminate the housing and a decorative shield. The diodes may also illuminate fiber optic cables. The apparatus receives alternating current from a standard wall outlet. The circuitry utilized by the device ensures that the resistor is continuously powered during both half-cycles of the alternating current resulting in optimal heating of the aromatic.

Abstract: Active compound chip and process for the production of an active compound chip comprising an active compound which is bound at room temperature, at least one heating element being located at least partly in the interior of the chip and the heating element having an electrical resistance and at least two electrical contacts.

Abstract: A volatizer has a case that deforms to interrupt electrical current flow through an internal heating element.

Abstract: The portable scent delivery device employs a housing and scent generator which selectively releases scent. The housing is suitably a headset, hat, shoulder harness or personal electronic device like a mobile telephone. The scent travels to the user's nose by diffusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating gas for a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas for a processing system includes a canister having at least one baffle disposed between two ports and containing a precursor material. The precursor material is adapted to produce a gas vapor when heated to a defined temperature at a defined pressure. The baffle forces a carrier gas to travel an extended mean path between the inlet and outlet ports. In another embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas includes a canister having a tube that directs a carrier gas flowing into the canister away from a precursor material disposed within the canister.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: A vapor-dispensing or other environment-altering apparatus is configured to integrate with a receptacle in a discreet manner. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an environment-altering apparatus is configured to mimic an electrical receptacle having an outlet pattern. The environment-altering apparatus has a front surface which includes an outlet pattern substantially corresponding to the outlet pattern of the electrical receptacle, and a plug configured to interface with the electrical receptacle. A device configured to modify one or more attributes of the environment is interposed between the front surface and plug pattern. These attributes include, for example, aromatic vapor density, insecticide vapor density, ambient light intensity, ionic air content, ultrasonic frequency intensity, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides means within an improved vapor dispensing device to accommodate or compensate for multiple orientations of an outlet into which the device is to be inserted. Orientation compensation is accomplished by inverted and/or rotatable electrical adapters, universal contacts on a base member, enlarged passive dispersion channels, enlarged emanators, multiple emanators, baffles cooperating with an emanator, and/or sleeves encasing multiple wicks to allow for operation of the device in multiple orientations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for releasing a controlled amount of a volatile substance into an environment while isolating the non-released amount of such a substance from the environment. The device includes a housing having an interior region, a volatile substance cartridge associated with the housing, wherein the cartridge can be replaced, or, alternatively, refilled with a desired fluid. A mechanism is provided for releasing a pre-determined amount of fluid from the housing, which is activated, as desired, by a user of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for heating a scented candle so as to release scent therefrom in the absence of an open flame. The device includes a housing for retaining the candle. The housing is fabricated from a material having a low thermal conductivity. The device further includes an electrical heater in thermal communication with the housing. The heater warms the candle, and the low thermal conductivity housing aids in retaining heat in the candle thereby causing scent to be released therefrom.

Abstract: A scent dispersion system, comprising a heating device having a top surface, and a container of scented wax disposed upon the top surface of the heating device. Upon heating, scent from the wax is caused to disperse into the surrounding environment. The system may further comprise an air circulating fan associated with the heating device, for circulating air around the container of scented wax, to help disperse the scent.

Abstract: An air freshener device includes a card member for plugging to electric facility, a housing attached to the card member, a casing received in the housing to receive air freshener material, and a heater received in the housing for being energized to heat an air received in the housing when the card member is plugged to the electric facility, and to allow the air freshener material to flow out of the casing and to be heated by the heater. The card member includes a tubular member to receive the heater or the casing, and to anchor the housing to the tubular member. The housing includes a screen to show a quantity of the air freshener material.

Abstract: The device comprises a container (1) of active substance in liquid form, which is sealed by means of a permeable membrane (3) which lets the active substance vapour pass and prevents the passage of liquid, being completed with a porous support (5) on the inner face of the membrane (3), so as to take the active substance to the centre of the membrane (3), this being warmed by a heater element (9) with pins (10) which are coupled directly onto the pins (8) of a socket plug (7), via which the device is powered, so that the evaporation of the active substance takes place by warming and it issues to the exterior by ways of slots (12) provided in a housing (11) which joins the container (1) to the socket plug (7). The assembly forms a disposable device, although the container (1) can be embodied so that it is interchangeable.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing a medicament (4). The device comprises a resistive element (9) on which the medicament is deposited. The device also comprises a source of electrical power which can be connected across the resistive element to vaporize the medicament. The element is configured to provide a central cool region (11) on which the medicament is deposited and a relatively hotter region (12) surrounding the cool region. Through holes (13) are also provided. The resistive element may be a mesh, foil or a tile on which a resistive pattern is deposited.

Abstract: Electric vaporiser for a fragranced or insecticidal active substance with adjustment of the evaporation intensity, includes a support technical body, onto which a porous element impregnated with the active substance and an electric heating device located in the proximity of the porous element are fixed, in order to determine the evaporation of the active substance in an evaporation area. The electric heating device is housed in a drawer which is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the porous element, between a position of maximum evaporation intensity, near or adjacent to the porous element, and a position of minimum evaporation intensity, far from the porous element. The control mechanism which causes the shifting of the electrical device includes a variable-radius cam obtained in an adjustment disc, with which a pin integral with the drawer and protruding therefrom engages; the mechanism is located entirely outside the evaporation area.

Abstract: The indicator is a non-electric indicator and is based on a thermochromic material which is applied on a diffuser or thermodiffuser device of volatile substances (1), so that when heating of the latter takes place to evaporate the volatile substance contained in a reservoir associated with said device (1), when a determined temperature is reached the indicator, constituted by a plastic insert (4) with thermochromic pigments, changes colour and indicates that the diffuser device (1) is in diffusion conditions. The colour change product can be constituted by the combination of some thermochromic and normal paints applied on the external surface of the device, so that when a determined temperature is reached the thermochromic paint changes colour and originates an indication of the device being in diffusion conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mats for dispensing volatile materials. A mat of the present invention includes a moat on an upper surface of the mat defining a first mat portion and a second mat portion, preferably connected at the bottom of the moat. Both portions are impregnated with the same or different volatiles. The moat is formed by pressing the upper wall of the mat with a hot forming die. While pressed against the upper wall, the hot die melts the mat material leading to the close of the pores in the material and as a result, a barrier along moat walls is formed. The moat and barrier act to prevent or reduce bleeding of the volatiles between two portions of the mat. The mat provides for both instant burst of volatile and then a sustained vaporization of volatile. Methods for making and using the mat are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an aroma device that can eliminate the need for the replacement of the light source, can prevent the light source from becoming high in temperature and can allow light and aroma to be enjoyed comfortably with a sense of security for a long time. The aroma device uses, as a light source, LEDs 1 covered with first and second covers 3 and 4, and also uses a heater 5 to heat a material 10 to be heated which emits aroma; hence, the need for the replacement of the light source is eliminated, the light source is prevented from becoming high in temperature, and light and aroma can be enjoyed comfortably with a sense of security for a long time.

Abstract: An electrically heated chemical delivery system including a heat sensitive chemical and an electrical heater adjacent to the heat sensitive chemical. The heater includes a heater element with a first heater side and a second heater side and a flexible printed circuit in electrical contact with both the first heater side and the second heater side. The flexible printed circuit includes at least one fold allowing electrical contact with both the first heater side and the second heater side.

Abstract: The invention is a combined scent dispenser and audible lure for hunters and outdoorsmen. The scent-dispensing section of the invention is provided with an electrical heating element. Pre-recorded sounds stored within a memory in the invention may be played on command and transmitter by a speaker. Both the electrical heating element and the audible lure are provided with, in one embodiment, a radio receiver circuit and control circuit to selectively operate the heating elements and audible lure. A remote transmitter is provided to permit the remote operation of either or both of the heating element and audible lure.

Abstract: An electrically heated chemical delivery system including a heat sensitive chemical and an electrical heater adjacent to the heat sensitive chemical. The heater includes a heater element with a first heater side and a second heater side and a flexible printed circuit in electrical contact with both the first heater side and the second heater side. The flexible printed circuit includes at least one fold allowing electrical contact with both the first heater side and the second heater side.

Abstract: A multi-fragrance scent dispenser includes a housing having an outlet opening; first and second holders in the housing for holding first and second liquid fragrance containers having first and second wicks, respectively, extending out of the first and second liquid fragrance containers; a first heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the first wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a second heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the second wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a control circuit which selectively controls activation of the first and second heaters; and a blocking plate movable relative to the heaters for at least partially blocking escape of evaporated fragrance through the outlet opening from at least one of the first and second wicks.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device having a high transverse loading stability includes a relatively low profile with respect to the supporting wall or electrical receptacle such that the frequency and impact of accidental physical contact with the device are appropriately reduced. To achieve a low profile, the housing of a vapor dispensing device is designed such that the distance from the outlet face of the wall receptacle to a worst-case transverse loading point (dL) is less than the distance from the plug to a worst-case support point (dS).

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device having a high transverse loading stability includes a relatively low profile with respect to the supporting wall or electrical receptacle such that the frequency and impact of accidental physical contact with the device are appropriately reduced. To achieve a low profile, the housing of a vapor dispensing device is designed such that the distance from the outlet face of the wall receptacle to a worst-case transverse loading point (dL) is less than the distance from the plug to a worst-case support point (dS).

Abstract: The present invention achieves advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety. In one embodiment, the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element minimizes the amount of surface area of the wick in proximity to the heating element. Additionally, the positioning can reduce the need for protective overcaps and other apparatus for protecting the wick.

Abstract: A multi-fragrance scent dispenser includes a housing having an outlet opening; first and second holders in the housing for holding first and second liquid fragrance containers having first and second wicks, respectively, extending out of the first and second liquid fragrance containers; a first heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the first wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a second heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the second wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a control circuit which selectively controls activation of the first and second heaters; and a blocking plate movable relative to the heaters for at least partially blocking escape of evaporated fragrance through the outlet opening from at least one of the first and second wicks.

Abstract: A means is provided for manufacture of dispensers of volatile materials for various regions, where a single buss assembly strip is provided, having standardized electrical connections whereby the manufacturer, distributor, or consumer is enabled to construct a large variety of finished dispensers by choice of individual selected attachment modules providing differing functions. For example, one may combine the buss assembly strip with a modular plug assembly for use in a specific region of the world, with optional heaters, night lights, timers, switches, and controls.

Abstract: A heater device includes an external casing (1), an inner part (2), a pair of contact elements (3) and (3?), and a jack plug (4). Contact elements (3) and (3?) define pairs of salient projections (17) and (18) which allow connection of the jack plug (4) in two positions of rotation, at 90° to each other, and prevent connection in an intermediate position. The heater device operates to heat a wick which emerges from a vessel containing an active substance to cause the evaporation of the substance. The vessel is retained on the lower end of the heather device by a ring (26) provided on inner part (2).

Abstract: A portable air temperature controlling device useful for warming air surrounding an aerosolized drug formulation is described. Warming the air of an aerosol makes it possible to reduce the size of aerosol particles produced by an aerosol generation device. Additionally, warming the air forces the size of the aerosol particles to be in the range required for systemic drug delivery independent of ambient conditions. Smaller particles can be more precisely targeted to different areas of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides vapor dispensing devices having improved refill units, detectors which sense changes in the environments surrounding the device, and optionally, make corresponding changes to the device and/or auxiliary devices, volatizable material delivery system, volatizable material enhancers and various other features.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device is provided which is less noticeable as a dispensing device to observers of the device. For example, in this context, the dispensing device may have the general appearance of a standard electrical wall outlet and have the ability to use the outlets into which the dispensing device is plugged.

Abstract: A fragrance diffuser system includes a fragrance cartridge and a plug-in module. The fragrance cartridge carrying a particular fragrance, the particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith. The fragrance cartridge further includes a fragrance heater configured for heating the particular fragrance at the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the fragrance cartridge defines a first key member. The plug-in module includes a cartridge receiver therein and has at least a first plug electrode and a second plug electrode associated therewith. The cartridge receiver is configured for receiving the fragrance cartridge therein, and the first plug electrode and the second plug electrode are configured for providing an optimum electrical power supply to the fragrance heater. The optimum electrical power supply is based upon an amount of power needed by the fragrance heater to heat the particular fragrance to the optimum diffusion temperature.

Abstract: A plug-in pet deterrent having a one-piece electric plug heater block which applies heat to a wick in fluid communication with container of pet deterrent material. The electric heater facilitates the evaporation of the pet deterrent liquid into the surrounding area thereby providing prompt and efficient control of the urinating and defecating habits of household pets. The wick, container, and pet deterring liquid form a removable and replaceable cartridge which snap-fits within the one-piece electric heater block.

Abstract: A device (1) for the diffusion of solutions is made up of a heating device (50) comprising a shell, formed by two half-shells (51, 52), inside which there is an electric resistance (R1), designed to heat up when an electric current is applied to it, and a refill (1) comprising a shell (4, 5) containing the solution to be diffused and a wick (3) soaked in said solution and comprising at least one part that is in contact with the outside to diffuse the said solution. The refill (1) is coupled to the heating device (50) so that the resistance (R1) may heat the wick (3) causing the evaporation of the solution.