Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.

Abstract: A fan unit (10) for purifying air comprises a fan housing (20), a rotatable fan body (30)disposed within the housing (20), the fan body having a flow inlet cavity (36) and an air purifying lamp (40) disposed at least partially within the flow inlet cavity (36), whereby, in use, air drawn into the housing (20) through the flow inlet cavity (36) is purified by radiation emitted from the lamp (40).

Abstract: System and method for emanating fragrance vapor into a region. Fragrance liquid within a receptacle exhibits a liquid phase-vapor phase interface surface when in a quiescent state. Utilizing sub-pressure generators such as fan driven systems, the pressure above the interface is lowered to promote the escape of vapor molecules for dissemination into the atmosphere. The surface area of the fragrance fluid may be increased through the use of a bubbling technique to derive an effective area permitting a larger vapor molecule escape.

Abstract: A nebulization fan includes a casing, a fan, a nebulization generating unit and a water supplying unit. The nebulization generating unit generates vapor by vibrator nebulizer, an electrical heating nebulizer or an electrode heating nebulizer. The vapor is guided to a mouth of a vapor nozzle by a vapor conduit. Therefore, the vapor can be blew to desired area through the mouth. The vapor can be scattered by the wind generated by the fan. The water particle size in the vapor is small and indoor article will not get wet by the water particle in the vapor.

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: A sterilization apparatus (200) comprises a robot (201), at least one germicidal energy source (202), and at least one motive capability (203). The sterilization apparatus may optionally further comprise numerous additional components, including a filtration unit (204), at least one power source (209), a power connector (210), an environmental sampling device (211), at least one sensor (212), a control system (213), an audio output device (214), a data transmitter (215), a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver (216), a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (217), a vacuum device (218), a floor washing device (219), an activator (220), a waterproof housing (221), and/or a padded housing (222).

Abstract: An electronic candle includes a source of light which provides a spatially and temporally varying pattern of illumination which simulates a candle flame, a volatile release station which operates to release a volatile material such as an aromatic material from a cartridge, and a forced convection system which disperses the volatile material. The candle further includes a controller which coordinates the operation of the release of the volatile material and the light source so that the pattern of light produced by the source is coordinated with an attribute of the volatile material being released.

Abstract: A flameless candle includes a translucent housing having a concavity in its top resembling a partially melted pillar candle. A false wick is mounted in the center of the concavity. A circuit board containing an LED, an integrated circuit chip, and an ambient light sensor is mounted inside the housing below the false wick. A battery compartment and a fragrance cartridge compartment are located in the bottom of the housing together with a slide switch. The housing also includes an electric fan or blower mounted adjacent to the fragrance cartridge compartment. The slide switch selectively completes an electrical circuit between the batteries and the circuit board, the batteries and the fan, or both. The fan is arranged such that, when activated, it blows air into the cartridge compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a vapor of a liquid into a ventilation system includes a vessel for holding the liquid, a heater for heating the liquid in the vessel to form a vapor, and means for delivering the vapor into the air flow passing through a passageway of the ventilation system. The liquid may be an essential oil or other liquid. An aerator may be used to deliver the vapor into the air flow. The apparatus may also include one or more additional liquid reservoirs, a controller which regulates the operation of the heater in response to user control, an air flow detector, and data stored in a controller memory.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of reducing microbial levels in the interior of a building, including vaporizing an anti-microbial essential oil to produce vaporized anti-microbial essential oil, entraining the vaporized anti-microbial essential oil in an air stream, and directing the air stream into the air ducts of the building and then into an interior air supply of the building.

Abstract: A fan type chemical dispersion equipment, wherein a chemical container (3) and a power supply storage body (2a) are disposed detachably from an equipment body (1) and so as not to be volumetrically limited with each other, whereby, because the equipment body, chemical container, and power supply storage body can be volumetrically formed independently of each other, the settings of a chemical holding amount relative to a fan air blow amount and long or short service time can be performed easily, the chemical container being capable of preventing a chemical impregnated body from being caught between the end face of a chemical container body (3a) and a cover body (3b), and a clip device being capable of firmly fixing the fan type chemical dispersion equipment to the held materials ranging from thin to thick ones.

Abstract: A wick-based emanation device for dispensing a volatile liquid is disclosed. The dispensing device includes a housing and a fan mounted in the housing for generating an air stream used for dispersing the volatile liquid. Walls of the housing form an enclosure for mounting the fan and for receiving an exposed portion of the wick therein. A retention structure is provided for coupling the wick to the housing and securing the wick in the air stream generated by the fan. The volatile liquid migrates along the wick from the reservoir to the exterior of the container where it is evaporated from the surface of the wick by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in the housing. The wick is formed to have a width dimension W which does not exceed 1.2 times a dimension R of a blade of the fan extending from the fan axis of rotation to an edge of the fan blade farthest from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An automatic scent dispensing system for distributing scents on a user-adjustable schedule without requiring user attention. The system includes a tank system for holding a scent substance that includes a reservoir, and a pump. A dispensing nozzle is mountable on an air duct. A duration timer controls a duration of dispensing of the scent substance, and is adjustable to set the duration of operation of the pump for dispensing the scent substance. An occurrence timer controls a time period between dispensing of scent, and triggers the duration timer after passage of a selected time period. A regular/irregular selector switch controls the actuation of the duration timer, and has an irregular setting for triggering the duration timer at selected events (such as circulating fan operation or an increase in duct air pressure) and a regular setting for triggering the duration timer by the occurrence timer after a selectable time period.

Abstract: Methods and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are greater than 15 minutes and less than 2 hours.

Abstract: A scent-distributor/flashlight having a light-producing portion with a battery, an illumination mechanism operably connected to the battery through a switch mechanism, and a first adapting mechanism having a plurality of female connectors. The invention also has a scent-producing portion with a second housing having a cavity, an intake vent, and an output vent; a second adapting mechanism having a plurality of male connectors for mating with the female connectors to physically connect the scent-producing and light-producing portions together as a unit, and to connect the male connectors to the switch mechanism of the light-producing portion.

Abstract: A diffuser device (1) for volatile substances comprises a motor unit (2) and a refill unit (3) which can be assembled with each other. The motor unit (2) comprises a fan (6) for sucking in air comprising a body (60) and an electric motor (M1) which drives a plurality of blades (62) in rotation, electrical power supply means (4, 5) for the motor (M1) and a structure (20, 21) to support the fan (6) and the power supply means (4, 5). The refill unit comprises a refill of volatile substances (9), air filtering means (90) and a support structure (30) for the refill (9) and the filtering means (90). The filtering means (90) are situated upstream of the fan (6) to filter all the air sucked in by the fan (6). A laminar air flow generated in the fan body (60) strikes the refill (90) to favour diffusion of the volatile substances.

Abstract: A home fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion into the reservoir, and the combined unit is a capillary pump. A fan in the dispenser cabinet forces fragrant vapor out into the surrounding. A selector dial on the front of the cabinet permits selection of one of several fragrances.

Abstract: A fan type chemical diffusing apparatus includes an apparatus main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan type blower disposed in the apparatus main body, and an active ingredient impregnated body or mass for containing an active ingredient. The fan type blower includes a fan casing, a motor, and a fan including a rotary disk and a plurality of blades fastened to a peripheral portion of the rotary disk and provided with a hollow space that is on an interior of the fan with respect to the blades. The fan type blower is operable to send air from the air inlet through the hollow space and out through the air outlet.

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: Volatile material-containing articles of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: A wick for a dispenser for a volatile liquid which includes a body defining an opening in the body in which the opening is adapted to receive a member associated with the dispenser.

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 method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilus and its spores. The steps include sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and to disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C., and the concentration of methyl bromide is about 80 mg/l to 303 mg/l during the decontamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a sterilant from a sterilant containing atmosphere of a room includes an enclosure having an inlet to receive sterilant containing air from the room following sterilization of the room, outlet nozzles to return air from which sterilant has been removed to atmosphere, and a catalyst within the enclosure for removing sterilant from the air. A fan draws sterilant containing air from the inlet through the catalyst and thence to atmosphere. An additional fan is provided to circulate air containing sterilant from the room during a room sterilization process through that part of the enclosure which is downstream of the catalyst to ensure sterility of that part of the enclosure for the sterilant removal phase.

Abstract: A device is described which includes a vertical body, the vertical body having contained therein a wick and a source of a vaporizable material. The vertical body further includes at an open end a silky material with irregular shapes to simulate the profiles of a flame such as a candle flame. Within the vertical body is a means for supplying an air current such that, when operating, the air current passes upward causing the silky material to flutter and simulate a flame, while also entraining vaporizable material which is present in the wick.

Abstract: A humidifier which includes a reservoir of water in fluid communication with an evaporation chamber. Some of the water that enters the evaporation chamber vaporizes and enters the ambient environment. A remainder of the water does not evaporate and flows into a collection container in fluid communication with the reservoir. The unevaporated water is then exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation which helps to inhibit the ability of various organisms contained therein to reproduce in the future. After irradiation, the unevaporated water travels from the collection container to the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for evaporating volatile substances in a closed environment, without the use of electric power, heating elements or absorption wicks, for the purpose of simplifying and maximally reducing the cost of the device, but at the same time maintaining its efficacy and also allowing the user to be able to adjust at will the degree of evaporation of said product. For that purpose, the evaporator device uses a vapor permeable membrane as the element responsible for causing the evaporation of the product to be evaporated. The device is especially intended to be used with the cooperation of an air current with a suitable temperature enhancing the evaporation and diffusion of the volatile substance, such as the ventilation air outlet of a vehicle, for example. The volatile substance consists in an air-freshening product, insecticide or the like. The invention is also related to a method for the evaporation of volatile substances through a membrane.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a deodorizer disposed in a cold air circulation path for deodorizing an atmosphere in the refrigerator. The deodorizer includes discharging means for producing ozone and ultraviolet rays by means of high-voltage discharge and a photocatalyst module for decomposing an odor component and injurious matter contained in the atmosphere by means of photocatalyst.

Abstract: An air purifier is provided for mounting to a leading edge of a fan paddle so that equal, mirror-image portions reside above and below the fan paddle. The air purifier is formed with a synthetic fiber filter medium assembled to a lattice framework. Adhesive tape strips are positioned on the framework for mounting the air purifier to the fan paddle.

Abstract: An air cleaner with aroma generation is disclosed.

Abstract: A device is presented which automatically controls the interaction of a medium with an external environment, the temperature of which varies or remains constant. In addition to the medium, the device includes a mechanism for providing constant effectiveness of the medium in the external environment, and an automatic drive mechanism which drives the mechanism for providing constant effectiveness of the medium in the external environment. Advantageously, the device includes a receptacle for the medium, and the receptacle includes a housing incorporating the mechanism for providing constant effectiveness of the medium in the external environment, which is beneficially a movable vent or an expandable vent. The automatic drive mechanism is advantageously a temperature-responsive member or a temperature-responsive fluid movement device.

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 fan blade includes a shaft base and plural wind guiders formed integral with the shaft base. The wind guiders are fixed spaced apart equidistantly on the peripheral edge of the shaft base. Each wind guider is formed integral with one or more than one netted portions, and each netted portion is fixed with non-woven cloth having sticky material fixed thereon. The sticky surface of the non-woven cloth is applied with activated carbon, or fragrant material able to give out fragrance or material able to remove bad smell in air. The fan blade has functions of filtering dust in air and giving out fragrance.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methods and systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streams of scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) using a bolus generator so as to avoid cross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations. The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an air ring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scent generating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. This phenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scent ring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as the nose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered to only the user's direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes the amount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level of scenting at the target location.

Abstract: An exemplary oil burning lamp comprises a reservoir configured for storing a supply of oil, a base, a burner tube and a wick. The base is being sized and shaped to receive the reservoir. The burner tube is movably mounted to the reservoir between a retracted position and an extended position. The burner tube has a first end, an opposing second end and at least one opening. In the retracted position, the both ends are located within the reservoir. In the extended position, the first end is located within the reservoir, the second end is located outside the reservoir, and the opening is located such that fragranced components of oil stored in the reservoir can be entrained by air and emanated from the base. The wick is mounted to the burner tube, extends into the reservoir, and extends outwardly from the second end of the burner tube.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods for purifying and removing contaminants from gaseous fluids includes a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and an elongated UV chamber disposed within the housing. The UV radiation source is disposed longitudinally within the UV chamber. At least one baffle structure is disposed at an upstream location within the housing to restrict flow as well as to generate a turbulent flow of the gaseous fluid within the UV chamber. In addition, a fan is disposed at a selected location within the housing to facilitate a flow of the gaseous fluid through the housing at a selected flow rate. The dimensions of the UV chamber and UV source and the configuration of the baffle structure are selected to increase the exposure time and mixing of fluid flowing through the UV chamber as well as increase the proximity of the flowing fluid to the UV source.

Abstract: A dispenser for a volatile liquid includes a housing and a fan mounted in the housing for generating an air stream. A guide associated with the housing and defines an opening having predetermined dimension to selectively receive a wick and to position the wick in alignment with the fan to immerse the wick into an air stream when the fan is actuated.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, processes and devices for use in HVAC systems to provide air freshening scent to air circulating in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deodorizing and/or freshening the air are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more passive members and an air moving member. The passive member can be detachable from the air moving member and used separately as a passive filter member, if it contains a deodorizing substance, or as a passive emitting member, if it contains a substance to be emitted into the air. Numerous combinations of passive filter members and passive emitting members can be used with the air moving member, or as stand-alone members in the described methods. In other non-limiting embodiments, devices can be provided that both deodorize and emit substances into the air. Kits are also provided. The substances to be emitted may be arranged in various ways to improve the amount of exposed surface area of the substance to be emitted. Intensity controlling mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: An air sanitizing device for vehicles includes a casing attached to an air vent of the vehicle and having a passage defined therethrough. An ultraviolet LCD is located in the passage and powered by a power supply device connected to the casing. The power supply device can be powered by batteries, AC or DC electric current.

Abstract: An air improver device and method for air improvement in spaces. The device for air improvement for an air-conditioning system comprises a metering mechanism which carries out a controllable metering of the quantity of an active substance discharged per unit time. The device further includes an absorbent receiving carrier, onto which the active substance discharged by the metering mechanism is metered.

Abstract: A deodorizing paper towel dispenser includes a housing, with a paper towel roll mounted within the housing for rotation. There may be a drive within the housing which is connected to rotate the paper towel roll. The drive means can be activated either by an infrared sensor or by a manual switch. The paper towel roll includes a generally hollow core and a deodorant associated with the core. A fan is positioned to pass air through the paper towel roll core and outwardly through an opening in the housing. The fan is operated by a drive that rotates with the paper towel roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for signaling an event using fragrance are disclosed. A fragrance emitting device is activated to a low battery voltage indicator in an electronic device, serving as a warning to replace the battery, either in place of or complimentary to conventional indicators such as warning lights or audible signals. The fragrance emitting system can be integrated into the electronic device itself or can be part of the battery.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber adapted to be heated and humidified. An easily accessed blower is located within the gaseous environment of the incubator chamber and includes a HEPA filter and VOC filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber.

Abstract: A sports figure shaped fan for ventilation grills comprising a caricature formed in the shape of a sports figure. The fan is attached to a ventilation grill and the arms are extended and rotate when subjected to a back draft from the air flow of the ventilation system. The rotation mimics a throwing action of the sports figure. The fan also includes a reservoir and access to the reservoir for inserting one of a scenting agent, a deodorizing agent and a combination thereof, in the reservoir located in a designated portion of the caricature. The designated portion of the sports figure caricature is sufficiently permeable on either side of the reservoir so that a vapor is dispersed by the movement of the air flow. Another embodiment includes the lighting of a portion of the sports figure when a telecommunication signal is received by a cell phone.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a volatile liquid, comprises a motorized fan adapted to generate an air stream and a capillary member having a body, in which a portion of the body is positioned within the air stream when the fan is activated. The portion of the body of the capillary member is impervious to passage of the air stream through the body in a direction of the air stream. The portion of the body is positioned in the air stream such that the air stream passes unobstructed over opposing surfaces of the capillary member aligned generally transverse to the direction of the air stream.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions that improve the scent perception for a user. Improved scent perception is achieved by presenting alternating scents and by varying levels of output of scents, as well as by minimizing device clogging, thereby improving evaporation profiles.

Abstract: An artificial flower includes a hollow stem and a flower portion disposed adjacent one end of the hollow stem. A fragrance source is associated with the artificial flower. In one embodiment, the fragrance source is disposed within the hollow stem of the artificial flower and the fragrance source is adapted to emit a fragrance that moves through at least a portion of the hollow stem.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating cycle unit for refrigerating an atmosphere in the refrigerator by means of heat absorption due to change of a flammable refrigerant from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase, and a deodorizer having first and second electrodes discharging electricity upon application of high voltage to them, producing ozone, a burning chamber provided so as to surround the first and second electrodes, and a fire-spread preventing unit provided in the burning chamber to prevent burning of the flammable refrigerant in the burning chamber from spreading outside the burning chamber.

Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.