And Mechanical Means Creating Forced Draft At Addition Site Patents (Class 422/124)
  • Patent number: 7691335
    Abstract: A sterilizing method and apparatus in which neutral atoms and anions are coupled to produce a sterilizing substance which is, in turn, used to remove an object to be removed by sterilization. The sterilizing apparatus includes a cation generator and an anion generator, which are separate from each other. Also disclosed as an air cleaning method and apparatus using the sterilizing method and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rae Eun Park, Jun Hyoun Kwon
  • Patent number: 7687036
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an ion diffusing apparatus having higher ability by suppressing the disturbance or turbulent flow generated in the vicinity of an ion generating apparatus and by enhancing the ion generating efficiency and the ion transfer efficiency. To achieve this object, the ion diffusing apparatus includes an ion generating apparatus which generates ions from an electrical discharging surface, a wind-blowing path which transmits the ions generated from the ion generating apparatus, and a blowout opening which is formed in an end of the wind-blowing path and which discharges the ions, and the wind-blowing path upstream from the ion generating apparatus is provided with a rectifier which rectifies flow of ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Ohtsuka, Yoshikazu Inoue, Takashi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7687037
    Abstract: An air freshener device includes a scent material interspersed within a polymer body or a polymer gel, and capable of dispersing out of the polymer gel. The polymer body and a polymer gel can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. In addition, the polymer body and the polymer gel can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape. The air freshener can be light transmissive in at least a translucent manner, and can have indicia visible therethrough. In addition, the air freshener can have a light source capable of emitting light visible through the body. A vehicle accessory power plug can be coupled to the light source, and sized and shaped to be inserted into a vehicle accessory power socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Christopher D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7687038
    Abstract: An air freshener device includes a scent material interspersed within a polymer body or a polymer gel, and capable of dispersing out of the polymer gel. The polymer body and a polymer gel can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The air freshener can have at least one vent rod configured to engage an air vent, a head pivotally coupled to the at least one vent rod and a polymer body associated with the head and at least one vent rod and containing scent material. The air freshener also may be combined with a packaging system to present the air freshener for purchase, and have a pivotal head pivoted to display the head in the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Christopher D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7682575
    Abstract: A low cost, easy to manufacture scent-dispersing mat apparatus has a flexible closed cell foam mat containing a plurality of blind holes extending from its upper surface. These blind holes are partially filled with a fragrant liquid scent, creating air spaces thereabove. The upper surface of the flexible closed cell foam mat is sealed with a polymeric sheet that entraps the air spaces in the blind holes, causing entrapped air to become saturated with fragrant scent vapor. The polymeric sheet is perforated by one or more fine needles at the blind hole locations. The perforations permit escape of fragrant scent-saturated air to the ambient when pressure is applied to the top surface of the mat. Upon release of pressure, the foam mat and the blind holes recover their shape; the entrapped air pressure decreases, drawing fresh ambient air into the entrapped air spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: Marni Markell Hurwitz, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 7682560
    Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Asiaworld Shipping Services Pty
    Inventor: Kenneth George Brash
  • Publication number: 20100068092
    Abstract: A system includes an electronic dispenser for web material and an air freshener device. Activation of the web dispensing mechanism a predetermined number of times activates the air freshener mechanism at least once. A method for deodorizing a space using the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Larsson
  • Publication number: 20100061896
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Hyso Technology LLC
    Inventor: Simon Sassoon
  • Patent number: 7670413
    Abstract: An antimicrobial purification device for ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning systems diffuses a volatile purification agent. The antimicrobial purification device includes an air filter (1) having a frame (2) holding a filtering agent (3). The filter (1) comprises at least one means for integrating substrate (5) holding the purification agent, consisting of a housing (4) holding the substrate (5) positioned in the frame (2) of the filter (1) or in a container mounted on this frame (2). A cap (6) sealing the housing (4) is fitted with a pin (18) to pierce a protective cover (19) in order to diffuse the purification agent as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurence Cornu, Gilles Elliot, Frederic Ladrech
  • Patent number: 7670566
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals. There is a substrate bearing a first volatile air treatment chemical that is capable of being dispensed from the substrate when the substrate is heated, and an indicator unit holding a volatile indicator chemical separate from the first volatile air treatment chemical such that the volatile indicator chemical is capable of being dispensed from the unit when the unit is heated. The extent of dispensing of the first volatile air treatment chemical can be indicated by a visible cue whose appearance results from the dispensing of the volatile indicator chemical. In one form the unit also holds a second air treatment chemical. In another the indicator unit is a replaceable cartridge positionable more remote from the heater than the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel E. Adair, Brian T. Davis, Gopal P. Ananth, Thomas J. Szymczak
  • Patent number: 7655080
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cleaning and filtering system, comprising an air intake filtering part and an air outlet filtering part, wherein the air intake filtering part further comprises filtering devices which connect with the air inlet and the air outlet of the air intake filtering part, wherein the air intake filtering part and the air outlet filtering part further comprise sterilizing units. The air cleaning and filtering system of the present invention can provide filtering and sterilization to the incoming and outgoing air of a room to purify and circulate the indoor air and prevent the backflow of the infected air, thus preventing disease spreading through air flow. The air cleaning and filtering system of the present invention can be widely used in hospital, mobile treatment room, clinic, hotel, theatre, office, toilet, public vehicles and home, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kei Hang Ting
  • Patent number: 7651666
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals, and refill units for use therewith. Some of these devices have a well facing the heater and a transparent wall to view the use up of the air treatment chemical. Other of these devices have a refill with wells positioned in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel E. Adair, Brian T. Davis, Gopal P. Ananth, David P. Mather
  • Patent number: 7628846
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a main cleaner body comprising a discharge grill to discharge air from which dust has been separated; a grill cover mounted on the discharge grill to pivot between a closed position and an open position in relation to the discharge grill; a fragrant odor generating apparatus including a first shutter and second shutter that are mounted on the grill cover and that are opened by discharge pressure of air discharged through the discharge grill and closed by their own weight, and a fragrant agent disposed in an air path between the first shutter and second shutter; and a shutter locking unit to lock the first shutter in a closed position when the cleaner is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Seung-yong Cha
  • Patent number: 7622084
    Abstract: A mobile phone including a perfume spraying apparatus, the perfume spraying apparatus including a perfume storage unit capable of storing at least one perfume type and a perfume spraying unit, wherein the perfume spraying unit includes a perfume chamber coupled to the perfume storage unit by a perfume flow path, a pressure unit to pressurize the perfume chamber, and a nozzle to spray perfume outside the mobile phone. The mobile phone may include a control unit to instruct the perfume spraying apparatus to spray perfume when a button of the mobile phone is pushed and/or when the mobile phone is called and may change a type or amount of perfume sprayed according to an increase or decrease in a user's voice volume, according to a caller, according to a user customization and/or according to a noise change in a user's surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-jong Cho, Seung-wan Lee, Jong-hwa Won, Sang-on Choi
  • Patent number: 7618583
    Abstract: A process of purifying air includes selecting a room vapor generator having a housing having a floor mounted therein for generating a stream of air therethrough and having at least one possibly charged probe positioned in the air stream for generating positive ions in the air stream and at least one negatively charged probe positioned in the air stream for generating negative ions in the air stream. The negatively charged probe is spaced from the positively charged probe in the air stream. A liquid storage container is located in the housing and has means for dispersing liquid in the container into the stream of air adding a liquid mixture containing nitrogen, free citrus extract and colloidal silver into the liquid storage container and vaporizing the liquid mixture in the air stream for dispersing the liquid mixture into the surrounding air along with positive and negative ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore O. Mandish
  • Publication number: 20090274588
    Abstract: A dispenser fixture for dispersing aromatic vapors into a facility includes an elongated dispenser chamber bounded by end walls, one containing a motor driven fan and the other wall containing fixtures for supplying and controlling electrical current for powering the fan motor. The chamber, containing trays supporting a replaceable supply of aromatic material, presents the aromatic material to an air flow passing into apertures positioned near or in the other wall such that a carrier arm supporting the fixture orientates the fan motor to discharge air enriched with aromatic vapors in a horizontal direction into the facility. The fixture includes upstanding side walls joining the end walls, a floor wall joining the side walls and the end walls, and a top wall overlying the side and end walls for enclosing the aromatic materials in the chamber. The dispenser fixture may be made of a hard plastic or metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko
  • Patent number: 7601297
    Abstract: A fragrance cartridge comprising a reservoir containing a fragrance material and provided with channels to permit ingress of carrier gas into the reservoir and egress of fragrance-containing carrier gas from the reservoir, the channels being defined by capillaries having internal diameter and length dimensions sufficient to act as closure means to prevent, or substantially prevent, leakage of fragrance from the reservoir into a head space external of the cartridge when carrier gas flow is interrupted. The cartridge can be used for example to enhance the sensorial perception of a viewer, listener or consumer of an audio and/or visual performance or presentation, by passing fragrance borne on the carrier into a head space local to the listener, viewer or consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Givaudan SA
    Inventors: Hans Rudolf Gygax, Norbert Schmid
  • Publication number: 20090252656
    Abstract: An air-cleaning decorative humidifier, including mainly a support seat, a water receptacle, at least a shaft, a fan, and a water sub-receptacle; in which a base seat of the water receptacle is fixed to the bottom of the water receptacle; a first water opening is provided on the base seat of the water receptacle; a water valve is provided on the first water opening; the fan and the water sub-receptacle are provided in the support seat; a water level control rod is provided in the water sub-receptacle; the shaft is connected with at least a decoration directly or through a mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 7597857
    Abstract: A fan containing apparatus has a first enclosure which can accommodate a conventional mosquito coil/mosquito candle/vaporizing device, etc. The smoke/vapors are blown by the fan through an outlet in the apparatus to provide a much better distribution of the gas/smoke/vapor into a room. A perforated hose can be attached to the outlet to provide a much better positioning of the gas/smoke/vapor in a room or outdoor area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mozba Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Crale Reece
  • Patent number: 7581717
    Abstract: A fan blade scent dispersing system includes a ceiling fan that includes a plurality of fan blades. Each of the fan blades has a blade portion and an arm portion. Each of the blade portions has an upper surface and a lower surface. A housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. Each of the top, bottom and peripheral walls has an outer surface and an inner surface with respect to an interior of the housing. The housing has a plurality of slots therein extending into the outer surface and through the inner surface. A scent impregnated panel is positioned within the housing. The panel is configured for releasing scent impregnated therein. A coupling member is attached to the housing and releasably secures the housing to one of the arm portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Clifford K. Thurlkill
  • Publication number: 20090208379
    Abstract: A decorative humidifier which has mainly a base seat, a water receptacle device for transforming water into vapor, a fan installed under the base seat, a water opening on the bottom of the water receptacle, a power source, a shaft connected with the power source for connecting to a decoration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Publication number: 20090202396
    Abstract: A dielectric assembly for generating ozone includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode in operational proximity to the positive electrode, a dielectric in operational proximity to the positive and negative electrodes for generating the ozone, and a knob adapted to extend outside of a housing into which the dielectric assembly is to be placed. A system is also provided for sanitizing and deodorizing water, food, surfaces and air including a microbiological reduction filter device having an input connected to a water supply, a venturi injector disposed within a housing and connected to an output of the microbiological reduction filter device which generates ozone and mixes the generated ozone with the water, and an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, a dielectric for generating the ozone, and a knob extending outside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Bruce Long
  • Patent number: 7572412
    Abstract: The aroma lamp contains a base member having a circuit member and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. A fan module is positioned facing upward on a top surface of the base member. A hollow support member covers the top surface of the base member and the fan module. The support member has a vertical tube with surrounding openings which penetrates an aroma producing element and a light generating element is positioned at a top end of the vertical tube. A hollow lamp shade is detachably joined to the support member and houses the aroma producing element and the light generating element inside. When the USB connector is connected to a computer, the fan module is turned on and drives air to flow upward against the aroma producing element. The aroma producing element vaporizes and the aroma is spread outside the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20090180922
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a fluid conditioning apparatus for conditioning a fluid disposed within, wherein the fluid conditioning apparatus is in fluid communication with a self contained system. The fluid conditioning apparatus includes a housing having a surrounding sidewall positioned about a longitudinal axis, the surrounding sidewall having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the sidewall, inlet portion, and outlet portion all defining a housing interior. Further included in the fluid conditioning apparatus is structure for disbursing a selected component within the housing interior and structure for controlling the selected component disbursing to a achieve a selected fluid condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 7556785
    Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: United Phosphorus, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shroff Rajnikant Devidas, Pushpaksen P. Asher
  • Publication number: 20090169421
    Abstract: A clean air supply apparatus is provided which has an ability of sterilizing effectively and uniformly also a secondary side surface of a filter. The apparatus has a pre-filter 23 for roughly filtering air sequentially introduced from an air inlet port 18 for introducing air to an air supply port 22 for sending clean air to a work environment, a blower 24 for sucking air to the introduced, a heater 25 for adjusting a temperature of introduced air, a chemical agent gas supply apparatus 27, a chemical agent gas eject apparatus 26 for supplying chemical agent gas into the air path, high performance filters or ultrahigh performance filters 41 and 42 for filtering air to be delivered from an air supply port 22 to generate clean air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA, LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Nagatani, Takeshi Iwashita
  • Publication number: 20090162244
    Abstract: A device, such as a home air freshener, which is mounted to the main positive pressure air duct of a forced air furnace heating system and or a central air conditioning system by which an outside agent, such as an air freshener, is introduced into the air duct for the distribution to areas served by the air duct system. By means of a sub-duct properly positioned in the path of the airflow, the device can create a low pressure area in the sub-duct which will draw and distribute the air freshener and thus operate with out means of outside pressure, power, or moving parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: John F. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090162253
    Abstract: A volatile material diffuser includes a housing and first and second containers holding first and second volatile materials and having first and second wicks, respectively, in contact with respective volatile materials and extending out of respective containers, wherein the containers are inserted into and detachably attached to the housing. The diffuser further includes first and second heaters disposed within the housing adjacent the first and second wicks, respectively, to vaporize the first and second volatile materials, respectively. A means for providing an air flow is disposed in the housing such that air from the means for providing an air flow transports vaporized volatile materials away from the housing. The heaters are energized in an alternating sequence such that, when a heater is deactivated, the means for providing an air flow cools a wick associated with the deactivated heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Jose Porchia, Pedro Emanuel Vasconcelos de Queiroz Vieira, Martin S. Payne
  • Patent number: 7540900
    Abstract: The air clarifying apparatus includes a negative ion generator and an indoor air circulator. It further includes an ozone generator having a capability of maintaining the average concentration value of ozone in an indoor atmosphere at 0.02 to 0.05 ppm, while the average concentration value of negative ions in the vicinity of the blowout port of the negative ion generator is maintained at 200,000 to 1,000,000 pieces/cc. With this configuration, the negative ions coexist with ozone having a low concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Aiba Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideshige Aiba
  • Patent number: 7534406
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: S. T. Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Takemura
  • Patent number: 7533872
    Abstract: An oxygen generator including: a humidifier tank moves up and down according to a horizontal movement of an adjustment knob so that the humidifier tank can be readily detachable, and thus a user can securely and conveniently use the oxygen generator without any water leakage from the humidifier tank during an operation of the oxygen generator. Also, it is possible to reduce noise due to driving of a compressor, noise due to the nitrogen exhaustion, and noise due to driving of a fan portion when the oxygen generator operates, to display purity information about the discharged oxygen, sensed by an oxygen sensor, as a digitalized numerical value on a display portion so that a user may readily recognize a current oxygen purity, and to drive the compressor at a low power consumption based on a discharge flow rate of oxygen and thereby reduce the power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Oxus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Soo Lee, Yoon Sun Choi, Young Duck Kim
  • Publication number: 20090123345
    Abstract: The aroma lamp contains a base member having a circuit member and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. A fan module is positioned facing upward on a top surface of the base member. A hollow support member covers the top surface of the base member and the fan module. The support member has a vertical tube with surrounding openings which penetrates an aroma producing element and a light generating element is positioned at a top end of the vertical tube. A hollow lamp shade is detachably joined to the support member and houses the aroma producing element and the light generating element inside. When the USB connector is connected to a computer, the fan module is turned on and drives air to flow upward against the aroma producing element. The aroma producing element vaporizes and the aroma is spread outside the lamp shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: CHIN-SHENG YANG
  • Publication number: 20090110611
    Abstract: A fan includes a motor holding member, and a fragrance giving device; the motor holding member has a slot and several vent holes thereon; the fragrance giving device includes a first shell-shaped member, a second shell-shaped member, and a fragrant unit pressed between the first and the second shell-shaped members; the fragrance giving device is inserted in the motor holding member through the slot in order for the fragrant unit to face the vent holes; therefore, when the fan is running, it can give off fragrant smell, which will be carried with the wind produced by the fan, thus making the room full of fragrant air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7523577
    Abstract: A device that is adapted to discharge a volatile material includes a display frame with a front face and a rear face. An opening is disposed in the front face. A dispenser is disposed within the display frame. The dispenser comprises a blister holding a volatile material and a permeable membrane extends across an open end of the blister. The rear face includes an integral foot member actuable between first and second states. The permeable membrane is disposed adjacent the front face and prevents the release of the volatile material in a first condition and permits the release of the volatile material through the opening in a second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Amelia H. Majerowski
  • Patent number: 7514048
    Abstract: A controlled odor generator, comprising a central processing unit, at least one micropump unit, a sensor unit and a fan. The micropump unit is housed in a casing containing odorous fluid and has a micropump array for ejecting the odorous fluid in tiny droplets. The central processing unit regulates operation of the micropump unit, allowing to control timing quantity and mixture of spread odor. The sensor unit provides the central processing unit with environmental data, like temperature, air density and humidity, as well as human body states for controlling the micropump unit. Environmental changes are followed by a change of spraying of odor, and varying taste and demand are adapted to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tien-Ho Gau, Yu-Yin Peng
  • Patent number: 7484716
    Abstract: A cartridge for releasing scents through a digital trigger mechanism. Also disclosed is a portable, wearable, lightweight necklace or “collar,” capable of holding 1 to 12 cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Jacquelyn Ford Morie, Donat-Pierre Luigi, Corinna Lathan, Matthew Pettersen, Jack Maxwell Vice
  • Publication number: 20080311008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of perfumery and more precisely it concerns a device, and the consumer articles associated therewith, for dispensing an active composition into the surrounding space. The device includes an active liquid, a reservoir holding the active liquid, a wick-/emanator structure composed of a wicking part and an emitting part, the latter having an evaporative surface to be directly exposed to the surrounding space when the device is activated and being housed in a moveable housing assembly, activation of the device occurring without need to removing the housing assembly and or the wick-/emanator structure, the device further comprising a rotor arranged in a manner providing for rotation of wicking or emitting parts to allow forced evaporation of the active volatile upon activation of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Lyse TRANZEAT
  • Publication number: 20080305002
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a volatile substance diffuser based on permeable membrane with a closure where a solid wall is applied to or separated from the membrane to stop or allow evaporation, respectively. The shape of the membrane is adapted to compensate possible vacuum inside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ZOBELE HOLDING S.p.A.
    Inventors: Edoardo Bertassi, David Moreno, Jose Antonio Munoz, Cedric Morhain
  • Patent number: 7462329
    Abstract: An automobile air freshening system having a piezoelectric atomizer unit (1) and a canister assembly (11) insertable in the piezoelectric atomizer unit (1). The piezoelectric atomizer unit (1) may include a temperature sensor, a programming unit, an active ingredient intensity selection switch (13), a boost override button, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Wefler
  • Publication number: 20080299014
    Abstract: An aroma diffuser includes a housing, made up of a base, attached to a roof panel in a passenger compartment of a vehicle; and a cover coupled to the base. The cover has an inlet port, through which air in the passenger compartment is drawn, and an outlet port, through which the air is discharged. A motor and a fan are provided in the housing, the fan being operated by the motor. A filter is provided in the housing near an inlet of the fan. An aromatic-substance-containing case is provided in the housing near the fan. An aromatic substance is stored in the case, and the case is opened when the fan operates. A pollution sensor and a control unit are also provided in the housing. The control unit receives a signal from the pollution sensor, and controls the fan and the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Yong Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20080292508
    Abstract: An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber within the dispenser housing. The vaporization chamber contains a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an air tight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko, Eric R. Colburn, Anthony D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7452503
    Abstract: An apparatus useful for disseminating volatile liquid such as fragrance into an atmosphere from an evaporating surface adapted to oscillate in the atmosphere. Oscillation is caused and maintained by means of two magnets, one a permanent magnet, the other an electromagnet, one of which is attached to the evaporating surface. The electromagnet is caused to repel the permanent magnet at such points in the oscillation that the oscillation is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Susan Hart, legal representative, Colin William Brown, Guy Edward Naish, Kishen Gohil, Gerald Leslie Hart
  • Patent number: 7449154
    Abstract: Disclosed are a chemical carrier body capable of volatilizing a chemical stably for an extended period of time, a receptacle for retaining the chemical carrier body, an indicator adapted for displaying a degree of consumption of a chemical contained in the chemical carrier body, and a chemical heating, volatilizing apparatus adapted for heating the chemical carrier body. The chemical carrier body retaining receptacle is provided with at least one vent hole and has its inner surface spaced from the carrier body by a distance of 1 to 10 mm. The indicator has a mark gradually disappearing and a mark gradually appearing with a lapse of time of heating. The chemical heating, volatilizing apparatus has a heater element that is lager in size than the bottom surface of the chemical carrier body retaining receptacle and whose heat releasing surface is inclined at an angle of 0 to 70 degrees with respect to the plane on which the apparatus is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fumakilla Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamasaki, Kazunori Yamamoto, Tomoko Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 7435378
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Royal Fumigation Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Richardson, John Achzet, Robert Dickinson, James Rushing
  • Patent number: 7431901
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing malodor from the air, particularly from confined spaces are disclosed. Such devices and methods are useful for example for storing and preserving food in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The apparatus and methods utilize baking soda as the odor removing substance, either alone, or in combination with another odor removing substance, which may include activated carbon. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a detachable cartridge member which contains baking soda. In one version of this embodiment, the detachable cartridge member is used with an air moving member that draws air through the detachable cartridge member. In one embodiment, the method involves using a detachable cartridge member with an air moving member in one confined space, and using another cartridge member without the air moving member in another compartment of the confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Stiros, Jeffrey Donald Painter, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Charles Michael Hardy
  • Publication number: 20080223404
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting a volume or surfaces bounding a volume comprising nebulizing a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent, for example ultrasonic nebulization of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, to form a nebulant. The nebulant is subjected to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent, eg heating element means, infra red, laser, microwave, RF or other radiation generating means; induction heating means; heat exchanger means; conduction means; convection means; or mechanical energy transfer means to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles. Vaporized solvent is removed from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, the nebulant is cooled to below 7O0C. The volume or surfaces are exposed to the nebulant for a time sufficient to sterilize said volume or surfaces. Also, apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SABAN VENTURES PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary Erickson
  • Patent number: 7419535
    Abstract: A device for blowing (16) an air flow (12) filled with a fragrant substance, particularly a perfume to be tested, includes a dilution system (18), in which the air flow (12) circulates at a generally constant flow rate, which emerges in a blower nozzle (22) and into which the substance is injected, a reservoir (32) in which the substance is stored in liquid form and a system for sampling (34) a predetermined quantity of the substance, from the reservoir (32) and continuously, via a sampling gas, which emerges into the dilution system (18), characterized in that the sampling gas is air which is aspirated from a volume of ambient air. The invention also proposes an installation (10) having several blower devices (16) aligned longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Frederic Malle Consultants
    Inventor: Frédéric Malle
  • Publication number: 20080191370
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P.H. PANKHURST, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Publication number: 20080193339
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P.H. PANKHURST, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Patent number: 7407624
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods utilizing ozone treatment for abating allergens, pathogens, odors, and volatile organic compounds. The methods can be employed to abate pollutants, bacteria, viruses, mold, dander, funguses, dust mites, animal and smoke odors, and the like. The methods employ specific combinations of ozone concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, and humidity delivered over a specified period of time to achieve satisfactory abatement of the allergen, pathogen, odor, or volatile organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Prompt Care, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ross Cumberland, James L. Driver