Abstract: An electric device for evaporating substances, such as perfumes or the like, including a housing which is adapted to have inserted therein a receptacle containing the substance in question. The device has an electric circuit supported in the housing and formed of two circuit components which are placed one on top of the other and between which a PTC element is arranged. Each of the circuit components is formed of an injection molded part and a stamped sheet metal component embedded therein. The circuit components are coupled to one another mechanically and electrically by an integrally formed stamped sheet metal component and one circuit component is folded onto the other when the device is being assembled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a perfume diffuser comprising: a first conducting element arranged to receive part of the heat generated by the heat source, and to transmit by heat conduction the heat received; a second conducting element separated from the first element and arranged to be in contact with the perfumed substance; a third heat conducting element connected to the first conducting element and to the second conducting element so as to communicate by thermal conduction to the second element the heat transmitted by the first conducting element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically heated air freshener for producing a scent comprising a housing having a receptacle for supporting a fragrance block, the fragrance block comprising a material that volatilizes upon heating and a porcelain enamel metal substrate comprising a metal substrate having a porcelain enamel coating bonded thereto. The porcelain enamel coating has bonded thereto a resistance strip for generating heat upon application of an electrical current and a conductive strip for conducting electrical current to the resistance strip.

Abstract: A liquid vaporizer is provided which includes a guidance system between a refill bottle and a housing unit to aid in guiding the refill bottle unit relative to the housing unit and center a wick contained in the refill bottle unit relative to a heating element contained within the housing unit when the refill bottle is inserted into the housing unit. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the guidance system comprises one or more projections and corresponding indentations contained on a wall of the housing unit and a wall of the refill bottle unit. The liquid vaporizer may also include a stabilization system to stabilize the refill bottle with respect to the housing when the refill bottle is contained therewithin which generally comprises opposing securement mechanisms.

Abstract: An electrically heated chemical delivery system which is connectable with an electrical receptacle includes a housing with at least one opening therein. A heat actuated chemical pouch is disposed within the housing adjacent to at least one of the openings. A printed circuit board is disposed within and carried by the housing. The board carries a plurality of electrical components thereon, including at least one heater and a light. The board has at least two electrical contacts connected with the electrical components and positioned on an edge thereof. A base is attached with the housing. At least two electrical conductors are carried by the base. Each electrical conductor includes a first terminal end extending from an exterior of the base and a second terminal end engaged with a respective one of the electrical contacts. The first terminal ends are connectable with the electrical receptacle.

Abstract: An electric device for evaporating substances, comprising a housing, a printed circuit board supported in said housing and used for an electric heating element, and a toggle switch including an operating element which is adapted to be pivoted by a defined angle. The toggle switch is provided with an integral strip-shaped sheet-metal spring serving simultaneously as a switching element for interrupting and for establishing an electrically conductive connection between two contacts and as a resilient element holding the switching element at two stable switching positions. The strip-shaped sheet-metal spring has two end pieces, one end piece being coupled to the operating element and the other end piece abutting directly on one of the two contacts. Furthermore, the strip-shaped sheet-metal spring includes a 3/4-circular bend which is brought into contact with the other contact by pivoting the operating element.

Abstract: An improved air freshener for use inside motor vehicles in which heat produced by a light bulb within the air freshener housing controls the release of fragrance from a removable fragrance impregnated pad positioned in close proximity to the light bulb. Light produced by the light bulb illuminates a translucent decorative cover mounted at the front of the air freshener.

Abstract: An electrically heated apparatus for dispensing fragrancing materials and other volatile substances to an enclosed volume such as the interior of a room which includes a base having a base portion which is generally planar in structure having a top surface, and a bottom surface from which extends perpendicularly two (or more) suitably dimensioned electrical plugs. The base portion further includes incorporated within its construction a heating means which, when the electrical plugs are connected to a suitable electrical source, said heating means is energized, resulting in the heating of the base portion. Further, the base portion of the invention includes a radiator means. The apparatus further includes a volatile substance container which contains a quantity of a volatile substance such as a fragrance or perfume, a disinfecting composition, or an insecticide. The radiator means provides a surprisingly uniform temperature across the top surface of the base portion.

Abstract: A volatile carrier for supplying a volatile ingredient to a heating device to be dispensed thereby, the heating device having a heat transfer site and a pass-through path to receive an inserted volatile carrier at one end of the pass-through path to position the volatile carrier adjacent to the heat transfer site. The volatile carrier has a substantially unitary reservoir block containing a supply of the volatile ingredient. The reservoir block is greater in size than the heat transfer site. An advancement device is supplied by which a user can manually advance the reservoir block past the heat transfer site to expose different portions of the reservoir block to heat. A method of supplying a volatile ingredient to such a heating device by use of such a volatile carrier is also described.

Abstract: A thin film thermocouple having junctions (2, 7) of metal and semiconducting metal oxides such as tin oxide/silver, and used as surface temperature sensors in conjunction with thin film heating elements (1) to control temperature.

Abstract: A deodorizing device for diffusing and dispersing a volume of a desired fragrant compound intermixed with a body constructed of a plasticized resinous material. The fragrant compound forms a front enclosure of the body which is both structural and/or decorative in nature. A plurality of individual and heat generating resistors are connected in series and formed integrally with a rear enclosure of the device. A pair of alternating current (AC) attachment blades extend from the rear of the device and are operably engaged with the resistors via a thermistor to achieve a desired level of diffusion of the fragrant compounds. The construction of the body and fragrant compound is such that the compound is diffused at a decreasing rate until expended. The fragrant compound is in the preferred embodiment a releasably and replaceably securable resinous element which is impregnated with the fragrant compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for dispensing volatile vapors such as insecticides. Table-like carrier members provide a compartment for the volatile material. One or more table leg structures extend down from a table top to support a cavity in the table top a distance above a burner element. This results in more moderate and uniform heating, thereby permitting efficient release of the volatile material over a longer period of time.

Abstract: A heat released vehicular air freshener is provided including a power unit for being releasably received in electrical communication with a vehicular cigarette lighter. Also included is a fragrance mechanism mounted on the power unit for dispensing an aroma when actuated. An actuation assembly includes a timer mechanism for actuating the fragrance mechanism for a predetermined amount of time when actuated.

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.

Abstract: An extraction device utilizing hot air or gas for volatizing at least one substituent of a material is provided. The device has a container for holding material. The device also has a cap that is provided with holes leading from the exterior thereof to a chamber in the cap. The cap is adapted to be seated on the container so that the chamber of the cap communicates with an open end and a chamber of the container. A non-flame type heating unit is disposed in the chamber of the cap for heating gas. Gas is caused to pass through the holes of the cap, into the chamber thereof, through the chamber of the container and out of a discharge opening thereof.

Abstract: A waterless vaporizer has a casing containing a heating module that causes vapors to be emitted from a refill pad that is impregnated with menthol and eucalyptus oil by slightly heating the pad and producing a thermally induced convective air flow through the pad. A top member of a casing has a planar pad-receiving surface with holes in it on which the pad can be placed in any selected position between a "low" output and a "high" output position on the surface. A pivotable and vertically displaceable chimney member fits over the pad. The chimney member has a pad retainer/holder portion, the top wall of which provides an alternative position for the pad. A power switch and an indicator lamp facilitate use of the vaporizer. All electrical components are highly durable and fully insulated. The vaporizer is assembled without any screws or equivalent fasteners.

Abstract: A smoke generating system is provided for making a household appear inhabited. The household is equipped with an outlet. Next provided is a smoke generator for generating smoke and expelling the same from the outlet of the household.

Abstract: This invention provides a disposable air freshener dispenser device which is adapted for engagement and support by a wall electrical outlet. The dispenser device consists of a cartridge which has a sealed content of liquid air freshener medium, and an absorbent matrix which can be exposed for wicking of air freshener into the atmosphere. An electrical-resistance type heater module is detachably secured and positioned proximate to the exposed absorbent matrix section for promotion of the wicking action.

Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.

Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.

Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.

Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener dispenser device comprising (1) a disposable air freshener cartridge, (2) a disposable electrical plug housing, and (3) a reusable electrical plug for engaging a wall electrical outlet. The cartridge has an elongated thermoplastic hollow body configuration with a sealed internal reservoir chamber of liquid air freshener medium, and the upper section of the cartridge body is shaped to a flat shallow extension of the cartridge chamber. An electrical-resistance heating element is affixed on the inner surface of the cartridge chamber shallow extension. A thin wick matrix extends internally from the cartridge chamber bottom up to the top of the chamber shallow extension. The cartridge has an integrally structured means adapted for removal of a top portion of the cartridge chamber shallow extension to expose an upper section of wick matrix to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An olfactory card (10) comprises a PC card housing (12) and a PC card connector (14) supported by the PC card housing (12). The olfactory card (10) includes a scent-producing member (20) and an electrical component (24) to activate the scent-producing member (20).

Abstract: An air freshener which has a rigid plastic frame, a hollow shell of translucent, open cell foam which is placed over the frame and which is impregnated with a scent agent, a base which is removably connected to the frame and which has a light bulb extending therefrom into the interior of the frame for illuminating the shell and for heating the scent agent to increase its dispersion. The frame and shell are manufactured in the shape of a basketball, baseball, or other piece of sports equipment and the shell is imprinted with a name or team logo.

Abstract: A disposable active humidifier particularly for inspiratory lines of respiratory circuits for intensive care, comprising a body (2,2') provided with an inlet (3,3') and an outlet (4,4') for its connection along the inspiratory line and internally forming a chamber (10) for the flow of the gases of the inspiratory line, the humidifier further comprising a hydrophobic membrane (11) forming at least one portion of the surface of the chamber. The body (2,2') can be introduced by immersion in a water containment chamber (21) at least at the region affected by the membrane (11), the membrane being adapted to allow the passage of water in molecular form in the gas flow chamber (10).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for diffusing aroma therapy oils which allows the user to pre-select a variety of aromas to be introduced at predetermined time intervals so that different moods or state of minds may be created. The apparatus includes a tray having a plurality of receptacles for various aromatic materials, and a heating means for heating a pre-selected receptacle, and thus aromatic material. The apparatus also includes a motor driven timer, that rotates the tray, so that the plurality of receptacles containing different aromatic materials are exposed to the heating means at a predetermined time period. The apparatus further includes a lid with a hole that exposes the pre-selected receptacle and aromatic material when the receptacle and aromatic material are exposed to the heating means. The aroma released from the heated aromatic material emanates into the environment through the hole.

Abstract: An electrically activatable fumigating device and the method of its use. The device is adapted to be useable with vertically or horizontally oriented, wall-mounted electrical receptacles as well as receptacles mounted in horizontal countertops, all without the need for moving parts in the device. This is accomplished by the relative angle of the electrical plug to the longitudinal axis of a well contained within the body of the fumigating device from the mouth of which active ingredient is expelled by chemical reaction. Use of a modular heating assembly aids in allowing economical manufacture so that the fumigating device may be made inexpensively enough to be a single use device, with a self-disabling, single use, electrically activated heating means.

Abstract: An air freshener for motor vehicles, of a type inserted inside an electrical lighter of a vehicle and using current from the electrical lighter, includes a casing for holding an air freshening material of a pastille or gel form therein, the casing having a cover; a main resistor surrounded by the casing and which is electrically activated by the current to generate heat; a printed circuit board with resistors of lower voltage rating than the main resistor and connected to the main resistor; holes in the cover for entry of air; interior projections in the casing for holding the air freshening material; a buzzer placed inside the casing, activated by the current and triggered by a time mechanism corresponding to usage time; two electrical poles for receiving current from the electrical lighter; at least one wire for connecting the two electrical poles with the printed circuit board and/or main resistor; and a light which is illuminated by the current during activation of the main resistor.

Abstract: A novel rapid thermal process (RTP) reactor processes a multiplicity of wafers or a single large wafer, e.g., 200 mm (8 inches), 250 mm (10 inches), 300 mm (12 inches) diameter wafers, using either a single or dual heat source. The wafers or wafer are mounted on a rotatable susceptor supported by a susceptor support. A susceptor position control rotates the wafers during processing and raises and lowers the susceptor to various positions for loading and processing of wafers. A heat controller controls either a single heat source or a dual heat source that heats the wafers to a substantially uniform temperature during processing. A gas flow controller regulates flow of gases into the reaction chamber. Instead of the second heat source, a passive heat distribution element is used, in one embodiment, to achieve a substantially uniform temperature throughout the wafers.

Abstract: A volatile substance dispenser is provided which provides an indication of the dissipation of a quantity of volatile substance by changing an electrical signal level after a time duration corresponding to an expected period time for the quantity of volatile substance to disseminate. A heat source causes the volatile substance to disseminate into the atmosphere. Dissipation of the volatile substance is indicated. For example, dissipation may be indicated by a light bulb burning out where the light bulb is a limited duration bulb with a lifetime that corresponds to the quantity of volatile substance. The dispenser may be disposable and may also serve as a night light.

Abstract: A vapor dispensing device having an outer shell (10); a one piece electric plug heater block (40) having attached electric plug pins (48), the block being attached to the outer shell such that the block can rotate a predetermined amount around an axis parallel to the plug pins; and a wick (36) in fluid communication with a material to be dispensed and extending into an opening (52) through the block; wherein the opening has a shape defined by the rotation through an internal angle at least equal to the predetermined amount of rotation of a solid geometric shape transverse to the axis and wherein the block has an electric heating element (60) in close proximity to the opening.

Abstract: A steam generator includes an orifice for feeding water to a porous material, a heater element passing through said porous material, and an outlet orifice for the steam created by heating said water, wherein the porous material and its heater element are contained in a case disposed in a removable sealed cassette that is connected in operation to a fixed portion of the generator containing water feed means, means for controlling the heater elements, and means for taking off the steam. The sealed cassette is connected to the fixed portion of the generator by means of snap-fastenings in order to enable rapid connection and deconnection, and it includes a water admission orifice connected to an internal case containing a heater element for the water and around which a porous material is compressed, said case including orifices over its entire surface for evacuating the steam produced by the heater element, with the steam being extracted from the cassette via a steam outlet orifice.

Abstract: A vaporizing device including a heating unit having a pair of electrical connector terminals staked to a substantially rigid substrate having a serpentine resistance type heating element printed thereon and electrically connected to the terminals. An insulating conformal layer coats the heating element, and wicks into the interstices of the region between said electrical terminals and the openings in the substrate receiving the terminals to significantly enhance the structural strength of the device. This provides an inexpensive and yet sturdy and rugged vaporizing device which may be discarded after each use.

Abstract: A volatile substance dispenser plugs into an electrical outlet to disseminate a vapor into a selected area. After the volatile material is consumed the dispenser is simply discarded. The combined use of a fixed resistor heat pad screen printed within the dispenser, and a thermal conductor, provides unusually uniform heat to a volatile material absorbent substrate within the dispenser, providing economical vaporization of the volatile material. Specific versions of the invention as a fragrance dispenser are described. A unique infant safe electrical connection for the dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A perfumer structure with an optically controlled night lamp is disclosed. The perfumer structure includes a heat conductor wrapped by a heat conductive and fireproof plastic material for generating heat to vaporize a solid perfume and uniformly disperse perfume gas. The night lamp is disposed in the perfumer structure and controlled by an optically sensitive element which turns on/off the lamp according to the ambient illumination. The perfumer structure is powered on via a single power plug and has both the functions of dispersing perfume gas to clean the air and illuminating at night.

Abstract: A heater apparatus includes a substrate, a resistive film formed on a first portion of the substrate, and first and second conductive leads formed on the substrate engaging the resistive film. First and second electrodes are coupled to the first and second conductive leads, respectively. The heater apparatus also includes an overmolded body made of an insulating material formed on the substrate to encapsulate the resistive film, the first and second conductive leads, and a portion of the first and second electrodes in an insulating material. The substrate is formed to include first and second apertures in close proximity to the first and second conductive leads, respectively. The first and second electrodes each include a tab portion extending through the first and second apertures, respectively. The tab portions are deformed so that the tab portion of the first electrode engages the first conductive lead and the tab portion of the second electrode engages the second conductive lead.

Abstract: A vaporizing device including a heating unit having a pair of electrical connector terminals staked to a substantially rigid substrate having a serpentine resistance type heating element printed thereon and electrically connected to the terminals. An insulating conformal layer coats the heating element, wicking into the interstices of the region between said electrical terminals and the openings in the substrate receiving the terminals to significantly enhance the structural strength of the device. This provides an inexpensive and yet sturdy and rugged vaporizing device which may be discarded after each use.

Abstract: An electrical smoking article is provided in which tobacco flavor medium is carried past a heater by a continuous web. The web, which preferably is substantially non-combustible, may bear continuous tobacco flavor medium or spaced-apart portions of tobacco flavor medium. A flavor cassette for such an electrical smoking article is also provided. The cassette resembles a conventional recording tape microcassette, having the web in place of magnetic tape. The cassette may also include the heater past which the tape is indexed to heat individual portions of tobacco flavor medium.

Abstract: A novel rapid thermal process (RTP) reactor processes a multiplicity of wafers or a single large wafer, e.g., 200 mm (8 inches), 250 mm (10 inches), 300 mm (12 inches) diameter wafers, using either a single or dual heat source. The wafers or wafer are mounted on a rotatable susceptor supported by a susceptor support. A susceptor position control rotates the wafers during processing and raises and lowers the susceptor to various positions for loading and processing of wafers. A heat controller controls either a single heat source or a dual heat source that heats the wafers to a substantially uniform temperature during processing. A gas flow controller regulates flow of gases into the reaction chamber. Instead of the second heat source, a passive heat distribution is used, in one embodiment, to achieve a substantially uniform temperature throughout the wafers. Further, a novel susceptor is used that includes a silicon carbide cloth enclosed in quartz.

Abstract: An automatic motor vehicle deodorizer device, adapted for insertion into a motor vehicle cigarette lighter socket having two terminals to provide electrical energy. The device is adapted to receive a vaporizable deodorizing agent. The device contains a power controller which automatically controls power to an internal heating element. The heating element is activated so long as the vaporizable deodorizing agent is above a precalibrated minimum size. The device contains an optional timer for activating the power controller. An optional override switch allows manual control of the heating element.

Abstract: A device for reducing odors in the interior of a motor vehicle comprises a hollow body of polymer material adapted to contain the extractable cigarette-lighter. The heating of the latter results in the emission of active anti-odor substances contained in the body of polymer material.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a clamp body of conductive material having a channel along one surface to receive the end of a vaporization boat. The channel has a depth which is greater than the thickness of the end of the vaporization boat such that a gap is formed between the end of the boat and the top of the channel. A metal member is fastened to the clamp body across the open top of the channel to form an enclosure for the end of the boat. Flexible graphite fills the gap and forms a compression fit upon fastening of the metal member to the clamp body.

Abstract: An apparatus for emitting a chemical agent includes a housing defined by first and second co-axial housing sections received in end-to-end engagement, a heating element in the second housing section. The heat supplied to the chemical agent is varied so that the rate of vaporization can be controlled. The first housing section includes a vented base portion and a wall portion connected to the base portion so as to define a recess for receiving a volatile chemical agent. The chemical agent or a carrier therefor is secured within the recess. The second housing section includes a solid base portion and a wall portion connected to the base portion. An electric heater element is imbedded within the base portion of the second housing section so that it is electrically isolated from the base surface. The wall portions of each section are received in co-axial engagement so that the chemical agent is adjacent to the heated base.

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser for a vehicle, such as an automobile, that utilizes the automobile's cigarette lighter as a heating source. The fragrance dispenser includes a housing for plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket and a wedge-shaped divergent housing that has an open, or mostly open, top portion that allows for dispensing of the fragrance, while at the same time providing visual inspection of the remaining material. The system utilizes a replaceable cartridge of a volatile fragrance emitting material.

Abstract: An aroma generator has a toroidal incense container with a toroidal channel and cylindrical walls. A toroidal channel floor is extended in a plane perpendicular to an axis that is common to the cylindrical walls of the toroidal channel. A bulb-attachment wall having a central bulb orifice is extended inward radially at a design distance from a base of the toroidal incense container. A cover plate is held in a covering position over the toroidal channel by attachment appendages on a cylindrical attachment sleeve. At least one attachment appendage is extended outward radially from a distal end of the cylindrical attachment sleeve and positioned in at least one arcuate attachment channel in an outside surface of the inside cylindrical wall for attachment of the cover plate to the aroma generator. A plurality of spacer ridges are extended radially from the cover plate to provide aroma-discharge passages between the cover plate and top edges of the toroidal channel.

Abstract: A single device adaptable to alter any one of a variety of air characteristics such as temperature, humidity, ion content, odor, etc. Several interchangeable cartridges are provided. Each cartridge has an apertured support structure, an air treatment element that alters a particular characteristics of an air flow through the cartridge, and male connectors. The device has a housing, a fan, and female connectors that cooperate with the male connectors to position any one of the cartridges on the housing to receive an air flow discharged from the fan. When interfitted, the connectors also complete an electric circuit to a power supply that provides current to any electrically-operable cartridge. A removable protective envelope contains the cartridge. The protective envelope has an arm that inserts through a housing slot to trip a switch controlling current flow from the power supply. When the protective envelope is removed, current flow to the cartridge is disabled, allowing safe handling of the cartridge.

Abstract: An electrically activated aromatic ornament (1, 9, 20, 28 and 29) has a wreath shaped structure in which an electrical heater (2) activates a volatile aromatic material (30) to cause incense gases to be exhausted through selective orifices (22 and 24) proximate decorative objects. Electrical power can be provided through such limited power electrical conductors as Christmas tree light cords (5 and 6) for hanging small sizes of this aromatic ornament on Christmas trees or on other fragile objects. Electrical power can be provided also through standard extension cords (31 and 32) for larger sizes to be hung on larger and more sturdy structures. Decorative items such as natural leaves, flowers, ribbons and artificial plants can be attached to some embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: An adjustable air freshener involves a container for a scented gel which includes a heater which is integrally molded within the base of the container with a connecting plug extending outwardly for coupling to an electrical outlet. The front portion of the container includes a rotary cover with a circular configuration having a solid dividing wall on half of the circle extending downwardly to block the flow of hot air from affecting the gel which is positioned between the base and cover within the container. The other half of the cover includes a plurality of spaced apertures which are positioned opposite the heated gel to provide a predetermined scent to the room. The cover and gel may be rotated with respect to the base in predetermined increments to provide the desired scent.

Abstract: A dual purpose electric vaporizer comprising a container having an electric heating element heated by an electric current, and the heating element connected to an external electric power source. The container has a double deck tablet containing means, for the tablets to be vaporized. The first of the deck containing means is placed at a position close to the heating element, and another deck is positioned at an elevated position above the first deck, at a substantial distance from the heating element. The first containing means can thus be loaded with an insecticide repellant tablet in the lower deck, having a higher evaporating temperature, and the upper deck can be loaded with an air freshener tablet evaporating at a lower temperature.

Abstract: A fragrance diffuser (100) comprises a housing defining a chamber (116) for holding a fragrance-emitting block (110), a heating element (112) located within the housing, a timing and indicating circuit board (114) to signal when the predicted life of the fragrance emitting block has expired, a power supply connection plug (134) for providing electrical power to the heating element and the timing and indicating board, and a keying system (234, 236, 238) incorporated in the chamber (116) and on the fragrance-emitting blocks (110). The blocks are encoded or keyed to indicate that they possess particular predefined characteristics, such that only blocks having those characteristics may be inserted. The diffuser is constructed with a downwardly-projecting housing extension (132) for the power supply connection to allow the use of an adjacent electric power outlet when the diffuser is properly installed.