Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle air freshener includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical housing having an angled upper end, a lower end and an interior chamber. Within the interior chamber is an electric heater and a removable cartridge containing a fragrant or deodorizing material. The heater is powered by a conventional adapter on the lower end of the housing that mates with the vehicle's cigarette lighter. At the upper end of the housing is an adjustable fan assembly for dispersing the fragrant material into the vehicle passenger compartment. Accordingly, the adapter is properly inserted into the vehicle's cigarette lighter and a switch is engaged to activate the fan and heater; the fragrant material within the cartridge is slowly vaporized and dispersed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fragrance distribution device comprising an electrical resistor, a plug or other power source, and a fragrance in a polymer or thermoplastic carrier. The polymer or thermoplastic carrier may include, for example, metal inclusions, which may be powdered metal. These metal inclusions are believed to enhance heat distribution throughout the carrier, thus allowing a more uniform and reliable release of fragrance.

Abstract: An improved method of purifying a fluid having fluid-borne contaminants I including the steps of: providing a pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at. a pressure ratio of at least 2.0 so as to sufficiently elevate the temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump, or, alternatively, operating the pump so that the outlet temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing therethrough is at least about 200° C.; and controlling the time during which the temperature of the fluid and contaminants are elevated; thereby to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.

Abstract: An air freshener device is provided which includes a portion to display cut flowers or other decorative accents, as well as an optionally-powered portion that contains fragrance and one or more of a variety of fragrance dispersal devices. The air freshener device may include an inductive charging system to allow for the device to be electrically charged and placed remotely from its charging base station relying on on-board electrical power storage. Other power sources such as AC or DC power supplies, batteries, or capacitors may also be used to power the air freshener device.

Abstract: A light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser includes a casing having a bottom opening blocked by a base member, heater members supported on trays above a control circuit board in the casing, tubular aroma containers inserted through the top wall of the casing into the heater members at the trays and holding a respective aromatic substance for heating by the heater members to release a pleasant smell subject to the control of the control circuit board, and light emitting devices controlled by the control circuit board to emit light toward the aroma containers when the aroma substance in the aroma containers is being heated to release a pleasant smell.

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

Abstract: Candles are provided for dispensing air treatment chemicals in response to heat. There is a lid bearing the air treatment chemical. The candle includes a housing with a combustible fuel. An upper lid includes a cover plate bearing the air treatment chemical and an opening centrally disposed in the plate to allow heated air to pass through when the fuel is being combusted. The plate is suspended across an upper end of a side wall of the housing creating an air gap adjacent the radial periphery of the lid. When the fuel is combusted the air treatment chemical can be heated thereby and carried away by heated air that has passed through the central opening, and the air gap can permit cooler air to enter the cavity while the fuel is being combusted.

Abstract: A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is disclosed which can be of service for an extended period of time and does not give rise to refuse disposal problems. The blower type chemical diffusing apparatus of the invention has an air blower, a chemical retainer and a fuel cell included in the apparatus body whereby powering the air blower to drive it with the fuel cell causes chemical from the chemical retainer to be emitted into an environmental atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for delivering vaporised chemicals into the atmosphere. In one embodiment the device comprises a light bulb with a glass casing and a region of sinter glass. Alternative embodiments are disclosed in which the device comprises a retainer adapted to retain chemical carrying elements and fixing means adapted to secure the element to the heat source including low energy light bulbs. The chemical carrying element is preferably a sintered ceramic. The sintered ceramic preferably has a homogeneous particle and pore distribution and may be nanoporous.

Abstract: An aromatic device has a base, a timing control circuit board, a hollow housing, at least two electric heaters and an aromatic container. The timing control circuit board is mounted inside the base and connected with an external power source. The hollow housing shields the base and has a touch slot for fixing and accessing to operate a power switch. The aromatic container is lap-jointed on the hollow housing and has two separately isolated aromatic chambers respectively receiving an aromatic material therein. Each of the electric heaters heats the corresponding aromatic chamber continuously or on schedule so as to generate continuous or scheduled fragrance or mix up new fragrance. The touch slot is recessed into the hollow housing to prevent accidental touch of the function selection button and enhance safety.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wearable devices for dispensing insect repellents, fragrances, and/or other chemicals along the outside of the clothing of a human, to avoid the need to apply such chemicals directly to clothing or to human's skin. The devices have an on/off switch that automatically controls a shutter which enables and restricts air flow, while also controlling fan operation and covering of a use-up cue. The device also is designed to prevent fan operation when an impregnated slab is not present. Also disclosed are preferred refills for use with such devices.

Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser includes a casing having a bottom opening blocked by a base member, heater members supported on trays above a control circuit board in the casing, tubular aroma containers inserted through the top wall of the casing into the heater members at the trays and holding a respective aromatic substance for heating by the heater members to release a pleasant smell subject to the control of the control circuit board, and light emitting devices controlled by the control circuit board to emit light toward the aroma containers when the aroma substance in the aroma containers is being heated to release a pleasant smell.

Abstract: A chemical delivery system includes: a chemical storage device configured for emitting a volatilized chemical therefrom; a heating element which provides an exothermic chemical reaction; an at least substantially rigid housing element containing the heating element; a tray including a well, the well having an absence of a through-hole and defining a space which is slightly larger than the chemical storage device, the tray being attached to the housing element, the chemical storage device being mounted to the well, the heating element being in thermal communication with the chemical storage device via the well; a retainer attached to the well and including at least one hole configured for passing therethrough the volatilized chemical to an ambient environment, the retainer being configured for retaining the chemical storage device in the space; and a removable covering directly attached to the tray and covering the retainer and the well to thereby hermetically seal the chemical storage device within the space.

Abstract: A method for reducing biological and/or chemical contaminants within a feed fluid stream includes in one embodiment the following steps: a) introducing the fluid stream into a cold pass of at least one recuperator; b) optionally heating the feed fluid stream using a heater; and c) introducing the feed fluid stream into a compressor, and compressing the fluid stream to an elevated pressure, resulting in heating of the fluid stream to an elevated temperature, thereby producing a decontaminated fluid stream.

Abstract: A chemical delivery assembly includes a heating element which provides an exothermic chemical reaction, a chemical storage device configured for emitting a volatilized chemical therefrom, and a container including a bottom section and a top section, the heating element coupled with the bottom section, the chemical storage device coupled with the top section, the heating element being in thermal communication with the chemical storage device.

Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a duration of burn of a stick of incense includes a base and a ferric rod extending away from and over the base. A hole is provided in the base for placement of a bottom end of the incense. A cylindrical portion is adapted to fit over and slide along a longitudinal length of the incense. A magnet is attached to the cylindrical portion and is adapted to secure the cylindrical portion, where desired, along a longitudinal length of the rod. Accordingly, the incense is supported in two locations and is disposed under and generally parallel to the rod. The incense is able to burn until the area of combustion reaches the cylindrical portion, at which time it is extinguished. Two alternate embodiments are described that allow use of modified forms of the cylindrical portion with prior art types of incense burners.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and containers for emitting volatile compositions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a device that includes a holding mechanism for substantially concurrently and releasably retaining two containers. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a first container having a first volatile composition and a second container having a second volatile composition where the first and the second containers are operably connected to each other to form a cartridge. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of emitting a first and a second volatile composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a desired smell by processing smell information through a combination of a computer system and a perfume generating means. In order to generate a desired smell under control of a computer, preset perfume information concerning a smell classification table, kinds of preset perfume corresponding to the items of smell in the smell classification table, the amount of smell to be generated and the variation with time of the amount is registered, the item of a specific smell is selected from the smell classification table, and relevant pieces of the preset perfume information corresponding to the item of the specific smell is extracted. A deodorant may be combined or various smells may be combined with an image.

Abstract: A pre-scented or custom-scented attachment designed to fit onto any existing lamp or lamp shade. The scent attachment allows consumers to choose a scent additive to freshen their home, kitchens, bedroom, bathroom, common-space lobbies, bar, restaurant or any other place where these products are used, as well as to complement the light emitted from the actual light fixture. The attachment can be replaced easily to refresh the space, or change the fragrance for the desired area to be scented. The attachment can be sold with a matching lamp fixture and shade or individually as its own product. It is a shaped attachment, with fragrance embedded therein, being a central hole to fit in the lamp spider, and incorporate grooves to fix it in place.

Abstract: Devices and systems and methods for dispensing volatile materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for emitting volatile materials from an article of manufacture that contains volatile compositions. In such an embodiment, a portion of the device and a portion of the article together define an air flow path for emitting the volatile materials. The device may have various features, including: a heater that is movable with a spring; safety features; and a closed-loop heater temperature feedback system. The device can have placement instructions associated therewith for proper operation of the device.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

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).

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.

Abstract: Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A candle and appertaining methods of manufacturing and using the candle involve a candle having a first section with a first wax that melts at a first temperature, and a second section with a second wax with a fragrance that melts at a second temperature so that the candle can be manufactured to keep the first wax and the second wax separate during manufacture and storage, but so that the first wax and the second wax combine when burning. The second section can comprise multiple inner portions, each having their own unique fragrance, the candle being constructed so that the fragrances combine when the candle is burned.

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.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by flowing a portion of the sterilant vapor through an instrument container using a normal portion of the exhaust process. Preferably, an exhaust conduit which draws a vacuum on a sterilization chamber is oriented so that the container is adjacent an inlet to the conduit.

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.

Abstract: An air freshener to plug into a standard automobile cigarette lighter socket or alternatively the air purifier may be equipped with batteries so it can be left inside a refrigerator thereby freshening the air inside the refrigerator. A third alternative would be to have a power cord adapted to use an external power source, such as through the USB port of a computer or the alternating current wall socket of a home or office. The negative ion generator is in the form of a pin. The negative ion generator produces the negative ions to purify the air. The device can have a light sensor to activate the light when light is low. The device can also come with light emitting diodes which can be set to indicate the status of the various systems of the device. The device can come equipped with an air freshener that disperses vaporized perfume into the air. It also may come equipped with a switch to turn the ion generator or the light, or both on or off.

Abstract: A heat sink with fragrance is disclosed. The heat sink comprises a heat-dissipating unit and fragrant coating materials, wherein the fragrant coating materials are applied on at least a portion of the heat-dissipating unit; the fragrant coating materials comprise fragrant materials capable of releasing fragrance; and a heat generation element contacts the heat-dissipating unit.

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.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals are described. They have a first substrate bearing a first volatile air treatment chemical that is dispensed when the first substrate is heated, and a second substrate bearing a second volatile air treatment chemical that is dispensed from the second substrate when the second substrate is heated. The substrates are positioned in stacked fashion relative to each other, optionally with a permeable membrane there between. There may also be a use-up cue indicator unit coordinated with use of the chemicals. The first and second substrates and indicator unit can be in a single replaceable cartridge unit, preferably with the second substrate in the form of a porous ring that houses the indicator unit.

Abstract: An electric automobile air freshening device that has an oil chamber for receiving various scented oils that are vaporized when a heating element is thermally energized when the related 12 VAC plug is inserted in a cigarette lighter receptacle. The plug may be integral with the housing or detachable via a retractable cord.

Abstract: The incandescent aroma lamp contains a base member having an opening and a plug. An incandescent light bulb is housed inside the base member. An indented support frame covers the top opening of the base member and supports an aroma producing element in the indentation. A cap is detachably positioned on top of the base member and covers the aroma producing element. When the plug is connected to an electrical socket, the incandescent light bulb is turned on and drives air by thermal convection to flow upward against the aroma producing element. The aroma producing element vaporizes and the aroma is spread outside the cap.

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

Abstract: A method using vibration for conditioning, air-conditioning, cooling and decontaminating, disinfecting and sterilizing physical media. The method includes a first vibratory action (13) performed on a regulated incoming current of the physical medium (2) so that the flow of the physical medium (2) is formed and the necessary and adequate conditions for cooling are created; a refrigerating medium (3) and a cold-absorbing medium (6) interact in a heat exchanging system (1); and another vibratory action (10) is performed on a cold-absorbing medium in order that the physical medium is continuously and/or periodically decontaminated and the necessary and adequate conditions for the functioning of the decontamination system in its steady state are created.

Abstract: Heated volatile dispensers are disclosed that are provided with automated dye-based use-up indicators. Multiple migrateable dyes of different colors are positioned adjacent a porous substrate. Heating of the substrate, such as a slab impregnated with an insect repellent, both causes the impregnated chemical to dispense from the slab and the indicator dyes to migrate to one or more visible positions. One dye migrates to a visible position faster than a dye of a different color. Further heating may cause one or both dyes to change color at a visible position. The dye movement imparts information about the degree of use-up of the impregnating chemical.

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.

Abstract: A pre-scented or custom-scented attachment designed to fit onto any existing lamp or lamp shade. The scent attachment allows consumers to choose a scent additive to freshen their home, kitchens, bedroom, bathroom, common-space lobbies, bar, restaurant or any other place where these products are used, as well as to complement the light emitted from the actual light fixture. The attachment can be replaced easily to refresh the space, or change the fragrance for the desired area to be scented. The attachment can be sold with a matching lamp fixture and shade or individually as its own product. It is a shaped attachment, with fragrance embedded therein, being a central hole to fit in the lamp spider, and incorporate grooves to fix it in place.

Abstract: A fragrance emitting apparatus includes a case, a heat conducting board mounted in the case, a fragrance container disposed in the case and contacting the heat conducting board, a heater disposed in the case and contacting the heat conducting board, and a temperature control apparatus connected to the heater and configured to control the heater to heat the heat conducting board according to the temperature thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fragrance distribution device comprising an electrical resistor, a plug or other power source, and a fragrance in a polymer or thermoplastic carrier. The polymer or thermoplastic carrier may include, for example, metal inclusions, which may be powdered metal. These metal inclusions are believed to enhance heat distribution throughout the carrier, thus allowing a more uniform and reliable release of fragrance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air. The device having a body (2) comprising a shade (8), a chassis (10) having a base (6), a cartridge housing (26) mounted on the chassis (10) and adapted for housing at least one cartridge (36) containing a fluid to be dispensed, and at least one electrical light source (74). The at least one electrical light source (74) is located on the base (6) between the cartridge housing (26) and a sidewall of the body (2).

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.