Including Means For Adding A Material To A Gas Patents (Class 422/306)
  • Publication number: 20030031588
    Abstract: A device for enriching air with an air treatment agent comprises a storage vessel for receiving liquid air treatment agent. An evaporating means for heating the air treatment agent is connected with the storage vessel through a pipe. A dosing means provided between said storage vessel and said evaporating means produces a quantity-restricted supply of air treatment agent to said evaporating means. The evaporating means is connected with a mixing vessel in which the vaporized air treatment agent is mixed with air, and the mixture of vaporized air treatment agent and air is exhausted through an outlet into the space to be treated with air treatment agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jorg Peter Schur
  • Publication number: 20030026728
    Abstract: A substance distribution apparatus has a receiver for receiving a signal containing at least a substance component. The apparatus further has a substance generator for producing a plurality of desired substances. A processor communicates with the receiver and the substance generator to interpret the desired substance signal and causes the substance generator to generate and release selected of the desired substances which correspond to the desired substance signal. The apparatus may further include tactile features such as a water mist generator and temperature regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Vlad Iorgulescu Avram
  • Patent number: 6503447
    Abstract: Process for the purification of gaseous effluents by a photocatalytic reaction, according to which, under ultraviolet radiation in a single stage, the gaseous effluent is subjected to movements by which at least one first substrate is lapped and by which a second substrate is traversed, the said first substrate and the said second substrate being covered with at least one photocatalysing agent. Plant for the implementation of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Paper Group Research and Competence Center
    Inventors: Pierre Mondjian, Christine Nguyen Dinh An, Françoise Delpech, Jean-Claude Roux, Sylvie Bourgeois, Alexis Steinbrunn, Pierre Pichat, Jean Disdier, Estelle Mietton-Ceulemans, Léonie Bouvier, Joseph Dussaud, Pierre Girard, Virginie Blondeau-Patissier
  • Publication number: 20020197189
    Abstract: A solar-power battery air freshening device with motor for providing a device with solar-power battery utilizing the energy derived from natural sunlight or light emitted from regular room light fixture. The solar-power battery is operationaly connected to a motor wherein a fan is connected to the motor's shaft. The circular movement of the fan moves fragrance emitted from the volatile substance of the fragrance out of the housing to the room or vehicle being freshened. The inventive device includes a solar-power battery attached to a housing which contains a motor, a circulating fan, a container which has fragrance emitting substance, air vents on the housing. The solar-power battery is a device which absorbs the energy emitted from sunlight or light from regular light fixtures and transforms the energy into power. The housing is a formed or injected container made of elastic or molded material. The motor is a machine that transforms energy into mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Edgardo R. Lua
  • Publication number: 20020197182
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a vessel, such as a conduit, having a first end, a second end, and a vessel axis between the first and second ends. An ultrasonic energy emitter can be positioned toward the first end of the vessel to direct ultrasonic energy into the flowable substance during operation. An ultrasonic energy focuser can be positioned toward the first end of the vessel at least proximate to the ultrasonic energy emitter to focus the ultrasonic energy toward the vessel axis as the ultrasonic energy approaches the second end of the vessel. A reflector can be positioned toward the second end of the vessel to reflect the ultrasonic energy back toward the ult1.asonic energy emitter. A signal reverser can redirect at least part of the ultrasonic energy propagating away from the ultrasonic energy emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Ozone Generator
    Inventor: Bruce E. Minter
  • Publication number: 20020192123
    Abstract: A heat-regulating container for use with a heating system, the container having integral leg support structure to provide temperature step-down between the heating apparatus and the container, the leg supports in the form of a plurality of individual dimples or bumps, in order to achieve desirable temperature for the controlled release of active ingredients such as pesticides, disinfectants and fragrances contained in the reservoir of the container, the system being used for the efficient conditioning of an atmosphere, such as an office, workplace, industrial or household room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Yong S. Chen
  • Patent number: 6495095
    Abstract: A method for treating the liquid phase of contaminated materials that are disinfected or sterilized in a treatment chamber is provided, whereby a defined liquid collector area is provided in the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector area reaches a maximum level it is discharged into a collector tank and when the level of liquid in the collector area reaches a minimum level liquid is returned to the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector tank reaches a maximum level, liquid therefrom is returned to the treatment chamber in case the maximum level of liquid in the treatment chamber is not reached or said liquid is treated in an additional high-temperature disinfector unit to obtain purified liquid. A device that carries out the method is also provided. Using the method or device provided, contaminated solid materials with a high proportion of liquid can be disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Helmut Goeldner
  • Patent number: 6495107
    Abstract: An incense burner comprising a base portion and a removable tapered stack portion and which includes an electric fan to disperse incense smoke. The base portion defines a fan retention cavity configured to retain the electric fan. Attached to the top of the electric fan is a vented platform containing a plurality of vents and an incense retainer aperture. An incense retainer retains an ignited stick of incense and is positioned into the incense retainer aperture. A tapered stack which includes a smoke retardant ring is removably positioned on top of the vented platform. The electric fan is switched on thereby causing the incense smoke to present itself in a pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: G. David Gaines
  • Patent number: 6491883
    Abstract: A photocatalytic filter having a coating layer formed in a thickness of 5 to 60 &mgr;m on a base material and including 5 to 60% by weight of ultraviolet ray-transmissible particles (such as glass particles or fibers) having a minor axis of 0.2 to 50 &mgr;m, 20 to 80% by weight of photocatalytical particles (TiO2) having an average particle size of 0.001 to 0.02 &mgr;m, 10 to 60% by weight of fine silica particles having an average particle size of 0.002 to 0.2 &mgr;m and optionally 0.2 to 20% by weight of a clay mineral material, preferably a portion of the ultraviolet ray-transmissible particles being exposed to the outside of the coating layer, exhibits a high air-cleaning activity, a high adhesion of the coating layer to the base material and a high durability in the air-cleaning activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignees: Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd., Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Mori, Mitsuru Nakamura, Hidetaka Umeoka
  • Publication number: 20020176810
    Abstract: Rechargeable electric air-freshener for vehicles, of a type which is placed in a lighter holder of these vehicles includes a case, a lid for closing the case, each provided with openings for the perfuming vapor from an aromatic substance, which may be recharged and which, by means of temperature, releases aromatic essences it contains, situated inside the case, two metal bands on sides of the case to hold the case in position, one permitting connection to one electrical pole, a button at a rear portion of the case, a spring inside the case for the other pole, an integrated printed heated electrical circuit in the case, and an external button with four positions for activating the electrical circuit, the external button including an LED visible behind the lid and a switch, which activates a sound alarm to advise of a need to recharge the aromatic substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jose Munoz Quintana
  • Patent number: 6485769
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for decreasing the bacteria count of a food commodity without affecting its overall organoleptic quality (taste, odor, and color). This is accomplished using a treatment fluid comprising ozone, which is injected into a treatment chamber containing the food commodity. Some water is preferably added to obtain better contact of the ozone with the food by forming a thin film of ozonated water on the food surface. Spices and/or other ingredients may preferably be added with the water. The food is placed in a tumbler and the tumbler is set in motion. During treatment good contact between the treatment fluid and the food commodity is obtained by reversibly oscillating the tumbler. A log reduction of 40% or more in bacteria count may be obtained as compared without the ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignees: Air Liquide Canada, Inc., American Air Liquide, Inc., L 'Air Liquide-Societe 'Anonyme a 'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l 'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Stephane Audy, Fabrice Laberge, Edward F. Steiner, James T. C. Yuan
  • Patent number: 6475432
    Abstract: A device for use in carrying and supporting a work piece before, during, and after a treatment process. The device can be used for both shipping and treating the work piece, and the device will not adversely affect the work piece during the treatment process. The device comprises at least one plate which has at least one relieved region for holding a work piece. The plate has a density the same as or very similar to the density of the work piece, so that the plate and work piece together have a substantially uniform density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ion Beam Applications, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Balmer
  • Publication number: 20020159946
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of metal oxides from a solution containing metallic salts by spray roasting of these solutions. The process is particularly suitable for spray roasting spent pickling acids. The process feeds the solution to a reactor for spray roasting of the droplets in at least two stages, where at least one evaporation stage follows at least one conversion stage to convert the metal salts to metal oxides. The device for implementing the process includes a spray roasting reactor having a first heating zone to evaporate the water and a second heating zone to convert the metal salts to oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Andritz AG.
    Inventor: Albert Lebl
  • Publication number: 20020146361
    Abstract: A thermally activated device for perfuming the air immediately surrounding an operating electronic computer monitor, including a thermally conductive receptacle adapted to contain therein a thermally activated fragrance material and further adapted to be affixed over and proximate to the waste heat cooling vents of an electronic computer monitor, and a removable receptacle lid cooperating with the receptacle to retain the fragrance material therein. The receptacle includes a heat absorbing base and a closed peripheral sidewall permanently attached thereto. Preferably, the base exterior bottom surface of the base features lateral rectilinear or curvilinear serriform fins to increase thermal absorption of the waste heated air exiting the computer monitor via the cooling vents to the base exterior bottom surface of the thermally conductive receptacle; the receptacle is adapted for placement against the cooling vent by two-sided adhesive mounting pads or hooks and loops fasteners, such as Velcro® strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Chris Jeff Gardner, Brian Patrick Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020131908
    Abstract: A selective release apparatus where an active agent can be released into a surrounding fluid like air upon detection of a contaminant compound such as an odor. The active agent can be a fragrance or a compound that combats or converts the contaminant. An exit orifice can be attached to a capsule or sack containing the active agent. A gas or compound selective polymer can surround the sack or capsule. Dilation of the polymer upon exposure to a target contaminant compound can either cause the sack or capsule to rupture releasing the active agent, or by increasing pressure in the sack or capsule, cause the active agent to be released through the exit orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2000
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: George Benda
  • Patent number: 6447732
    Abstract: An incense burning assembly for allowing a user to easily distribute an agreeable scent throughout the home by burning incense without the messy ashes. The incense burning assembly includes a container. The container has an outer perimeter for defining an interior space. A holding member is positioned in the interior space. The holding member is structured to include a hole. The hole is adapted for receiving a portion of a stick of incense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Vernon L. West
  • Publication number: 20020114727
    Abstract: A flash vaporizer (34) provides a constant flow of vaporized hydrogen peroxide or other antimicrobial compounds for rapidly sterilizing large enclosures (10), such as rooms or buildings. The vaporizer includes a heated block (50) which defines an interior bore or bores (70, 72, 74). The flowpath created by the bore or bores increases in cross sectional area as the hydrogen peroxide passes through the block to accommodate the increase in volume during the conversion from liquid to gas. The vapor is injected into dry air in a duct that circulates it to the large enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Iain F. McVey, Francis J. Zelina, Aaron L. Hill, Gerald E. McDonnell, Kevin O. Williams
  • Publication number: 20020098140
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating a volatile medium is provided. The apparatus of the invention includes a base and a rotatable lens positioned above the base. The rotatable lens rotates independently of the base in the direction of a light source. The lens is positioned such that a focal point of a lens is focused on the volatile medium. The heat generated by focusing the light in this manner vaporizes the volatile medium and releases the medium into the surrounding atmosphere in a continuous manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Anil J. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6423274
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a sewage pumper truck to muffle and deodorize an air stream generated by filling of a tank of the truck though action of a vacuum pump on the exhaust of the tank to evacuate the tank and suck waste material into the tank. A reservoir contains a deodorizing liquid having a liquid surface and has a reservoir inlet positioned above the liquid surface and connectible to the outlet of the vacuum pump, and a reservoir outlet. An exhaust stack is connected to the outlet of the reservoir. Outside air heated by ordinary action of the vacuum pump pulling through the tank, is passed through the reservoir over the liquid surface of the deodorizing liquid, evaporates a sufficient amount of the liquid to achieve the desired effect, and then leaves the reservoir and is blown out the exhaust pipe containing the evaporated liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hinsilblon Laboratories
    Inventor: Timothy W. Planker
  • Patent number: 6416720
    Abstract: An oxygen generator of an emergency chemical oxygen generating system is mounted on a sliding mechanism that displaces the oxygen generator vertically and horizontally away from the walls of the oxygen generator container when the door of the module is opened, in order to reduce the heating of the container walls and the surrounding areas. The sliding mechanism can be a telescoping assembly having multiple sliding segments, a slot in the side of the module wall with a tab attached to the generator such that the tab slides within the slot allowing for downward sliding of the generator, or an arrangement of channels and rollers. The movement of the generator from a stowed position to a use position can also initiate the flow of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20020085949
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent with a composite closing structure. The composite closing structure is connected to the bottom perimeter of side curtains for sealing the bottom perimeter of the side curtains. The composite closing structure has at least a first component and second component. The first component is a structural support component and has sufficient rigidity to flex no greater than 6 inches over a 10 foot length with a fulcrum weight of 100 pounds. The second component is a sealing component and is formed of flexible material. Further, the sealing component may be a flexible base mounted along the bottom perimeter for receiving, holding and releasing water from an external water supply. When the sealing component holds water, it will seal the tent to a floor. In a preferred embodiment, the structural support component is formed of a triangular cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Christopher D. Langhart
  • Publication number: 20020083970
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fumigation tent which includes a frame suspended from a structure by support cables, the frame having an underside; a tarp adapted to be mounted to the top side of the frame, the tarp hanging from the frame defining a tent having a top and side curtains having a lower periphery that defines a bottom perimeter; a sealing arrangement for connecting and sealing the top of the tarp to the frame; a first plurality of cables for raising and lowering the side curtains and being connected to the side curtains and to means for raising and lowering the first plurality of cables; a second plurality of cables for raising and lowering the frame and being connected to the frame and to means for raising and lowering the second plurality of cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Langhart
  • Publication number: 20020085947
    Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer (UVAS) is mobile or stationary. The UVAS is positioned in a room, such an operating room or intensive care unit. Motion detectors sense movement, to assure that personnel have evacuated the space to be sterilized. Subsequently, UV-C generators, such mercury bulbs, generate UV-C from multiple locations within the room or other enclosed space. Multiple UV-C sensors scan the room, and determine the area reflecting the lowest level of UV-C back to the sensors. The device calculates the time required to obtain a bactericidal dose of UV-C reflected back to the sensors. Once an effective bactericidal dose has been reflected to all the sensors, the unit notifies the operator and shuts down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffery L. Deal
  • Patent number: 6379633
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Holographic Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Todd Garlick
  • Patent number: 6379616
    Abstract: A sterilization apparatus designed to receive an article requiring sterilization in which the apparatus comprises an aerosol generator operatively coupled to a sterilization chamber. The aerosol generator includes an ultrasonic transducer which is electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator. The sterilization apparatus also includes a tube which passes vertically through an apex of a partition ceiling formed in a nebulization chamber of the aerosol generator. The sterilization chamber includes a sterilization container which houses the article to be sterilized. The container includes an aerosol inlet and an aerosol outlet in communication with an expansion cavity and nebulization cavity of the nebulization chamber via an aerosol inlet conduit and an aerosol outlet conduit respectively. The sterilizing agent is nebulized via the transducer and recirculated through the sterilization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Sheiman Ultrasonic Research
    Inventor: Vladimir Lvovich Sheiman
  • Publication number: 20020037244
    Abstract: The air cleaner comprises an air cleaner body, an air passage, a fan for forming air flow flowing in the air passage and a filter to which pollutant included in the air. The air cleaner body has fitting parts. When the turned angle of the grille with the body is small, a turning arm of the grille can be inserted or detached into/from the space between the fitting parts when the turned angle of the grille with the body is large, the grille is temporarily held in the air cleaner body by fitting the turning arm to the fitting parts. Further a photocatalytic holder containing a photocatalytic substance is provided in the air cleaner. A light emitting diode (LED) is provided for radiating light on the photocatalytic substance. Illumination of the LED is controlled in accordance with an actual voltage and the rated voltage of a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Toshio Takahashi, Kazushi Noda, Kazuhiro Sakai, Takao Mukogawa, Shinichi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6361752
    Abstract: An air quality modification apparatus for dispensing a volatile material, such as for scenting the air, controlling pests, allergen control, or the like, includes an electric motor having a rotor and a coil. When electric current is applied, the coil produces both heat and an electromagnetic field that causes rotation of the rotor. A source of the volatile material is located adjacent to the coil so as to be volatilized by the coil's heat. An impeller, attached to the rotor, moves air across the volatile material and blows the vapors away from the apparatus. Energy efficiency is provided by employing the electric motor coil as the source of heat to vaporize the volatile material. Also disclosed is a refill supply of a volatile material for use with such an air quality modification apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Demarest, Imre J. Danes, David J. Houser
  • Publication number: 20020031460
    Abstract: A UV air cleaning and disinfecting system has an enclosed chassis with an inlet/outlet surface panel on one planar side thereof, and the chassis is mounted in the space behind a drop ceiling with its surface panel coplanar with the ceiling surface and facing into the room space. The surface panel has a pair of inlet vent arrays on opposite longitudinal sides of the surface panel from each other, and a pair of outlet vent arrays on opposite latitudinal sides of the surface panel from each other. Arranged in the chassis are an air blower unit and an array of UV lamps. The positioning of the inlet and outlet vent arrays establish four mutually circulating air streams in a four-leaf-clover pattern in the room space, which obtains a high-efficiency throughput of air handled by the system. The UV lamp array is arranged longitudinally across the chassis between the inlet ventsat a lower elevational position ofthe chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: John C. Kulp
  • Patent number: 6350394
    Abstract: An independent and conserved source of fuel and/or power comprises a top stage rocket engine firing up to 5000 F. at very high pressures, delivering jet flows up to transonic velocities into a near adiabatic tunnel for mixing in general and/or for transforming reactants introduced to suit specific objectives. The related compression is supplied by an independent prime mover which compresses its exhaust and other recoverable fluids. Low grade flows, thereby upgraded in temperature and pressure, are adiabatically contained, are further upgraded in the tunnel to become part of the prescribed fuel for export at the tunnel ends; or fuel to be fired in a prime mover for electric or other power, or hydrogen for chemical use. Expansion turbines for this purpose are relieved of the load used to compress the excess air in standard gas turbines thus increasing export power. A portion of the expansion turbine's exhaust becomes part of recoverable fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: EGT Developments, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard P. Ennis, Anthony Cirrito
  • Patent number: 6347992
    Abstract: A ductwork air freshener apparatus for distributing fresh air evenly throughout the building using the existing air ducts of the environmental control system. The ductwork air freshener apparatus includes a housing assembly designed for mounting to the ductwork of the house. A pressurized air freshener container is removably inserted into the housing assembly. The pressurized air freshener container has a fragrance under pressure within the pressurized air freshener container. An actuation assembly is for actuating the pressurized air freshener container whereby the deodorizing fragrance is designed for introduction into the ductwork of the house. The actuation assembly is coupled to the housing assembly. A control assembly is coupled to the housing. The control assembly is operationally coupled to the actuation assembly whereby the control assembly actuates the actuation assembly upon the control assembly satisfying a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Durbin, Jeffrey S. Durbin
  • Patent number: 6318876
    Abstract: An artificial flower arrangement that includes a number of lights and also includes a scent generating mechanism for dispensing a scent into the room. The scent generating mechanism is a plug in air freshener. Each of the light bulbs is positioned in the center of the corolla of an artificial flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Curt J. Sigro, Sheila Sigro
  • Publication number: 20010033938
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for prevention or stoppage of sulfidation or sulfuric corrosion of metal surfaces in contact with fluids including sulfiding compounds, where the method involves the addition of a compound to the fluid, where the additive has a higher affinity for metal surfaces than sulfur. The additive are group 15 of the periodic table of elements, fluorine-containing compounds, or mixtures or combinations thereof and are added in small quantities generally between about 0.001 ppm and about 20 ppm based on the amount of group 15 element or fluorine in the compound used. A protected metal surface is also disclosed which is coated with a protective coating comprising a group 15 element or fluorine and/or sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
  • Publication number: 20010008611
    Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Budman
  • Patent number: 6156268
    Abstract: An ozone distribution system is herein described for an enclosed space defined within an enclosure having at least one vent through which gases can escape from the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ozone Environmental Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Millard R. Curry, Albert M. Curry
  • Patent number: 6143251
    Abstract: An oxygen generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a reaction vessel and a cartridge. The cartridge is constructed for insertion into the reaction vessel, and includes a cartridge plate and a plurality of reagent tubes holding oxygen-producing reagents. The reagent tubes, which include at least one short tube and a plurality of standard tubes, each have an upper end coupled to the cartridge plate and a lower end which has an opening or port. When the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel, each of the plurality of standard tubes extends substantially to a floor of the reaction vessel, while the at least one short tube extends to a point remote from the floor of the reaction vessel. The cartridge may include an activation plate which causes the release of the reagents into the reaction vessel by pulling up a retaining sleeve when the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: David E. Beller, Steven R. Broder
    Inventors: David Edward Beller, James Millington Howard, II, Mary-Jo Lyons, Steven Robert Broder
  • Patent number: 6106786
    Abstract: A blowing type aroma apparatus, involving no danger of fire and being capable of providing a natural aroma. A body of the aroma apparatus has an opening in its upper surface. A container for containing a liquid aromatic and a cylinder surrounding this container and having open upper and lower ends are located in the opening. An impregnator impregnated with the aromatic is disposed in the container. An axial flow fan is housed beneath the opening within the body and the air flow generated by the axial flow fan passes through the support member and flows into a space between the cylinder and the container. The air becomes a laminar flow and rises in the space between the cylinder and the container. The air flow permits the volatilization of the aromatic contained in the impregnator, whereby the aroma is diffused from the opening at the upper end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Akahoshi
  • Patent number: 6106775
    Abstract: Evaporation devices and associated methods for introducing humidity into an atmosphere. The evaporation device includes a substantially rigid shell encasing an absorbent material and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air flow between the exterior and interior of the shell. The absorbent material can be a natural or synthetic sponge capable of absorbing and retaining water. After applying water to the evaporation device, it is placed in an environment to which humidity is to be introduced. Evaporation of water can be enhanced by placing a mixture of aspirin and sodium bicarbonate on the absorbent material. Examples of methods for using the evaporation device include placing the evaporation device in produce bins, produce refrigerators, cheese and meat refrigerators, and containers of dry foods, such as cookies and brown sugar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Humidity Technologies
    Inventor: Peter E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6093374
    Abstract: An automated device for periodically revitalizing potpourri can be placed in a potpourri container. The device includes a mixing element for mixing potpourri and an aerosol canister containing a fragrance oil for adding fragrance to the potpourri. A battery powered motor periodically rotates the mixing element to stir the potpourri and activates the aerosol canister to dispense the fragrance oil into the potpourri. The device thus uniformly mixes the fragrance into the potpourri. Electric timer circuitry is provided to activate the device on a preset periodic basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Clifton R. Bukowsky
  • Patent number: 6090344
    Abstract: The system for and a method of generating a scent and an image based upon a coded signal transmitted from a remote location, and the scent is generated from a dry scent carrying medium which contains a plurality of independent sources of scent causing agents. The coded signal is indicative of simultaneously activating the independent sources of scent causing agents so as to generated a complex mixture of the scents on the fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamauchi, Noboru Murayama
  • Patent number: 6080367
    Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jun-Ru Lin
  • Patent number: 6033212
    Abstract: A lamp having a hydrocarbon fuel source is provided. The lamp includes a housing and a fuel source containing hydrocarbon fuel. A mantle is disposed inside the housing and is in communication with the exit of the fuel source. A cover is attached to the housing in thermal communication with the interior housing. The cover has a slot and a replaceable pad is disposable in the slot; the pad preferably contains a volatilizable substance. When the fuel egresses the fuel source and is ignited and burns, heat generated from the fuel is conducted through the cover to the pad so that the volatilizable substance is volatilized. The volatilizable substance is preferably an insect repellent. The lamp may be portable such as a flashlight. A separately attachable cover that may retrofit an existing lamp is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: James Bonnema, Timothy Huber, Steven Shapiro, Wen Der Wang, Karl Winkler
  • Patent number: 6004516
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating odor upon electronic signal demand using a disk having an aroma-impregnated adsorbent and a substrate. The disk is inserted into a disk drive that receives signals from a user and/or a server computer. A controller within the disk drive supplies an electric, mechanical or thermal signal to the disk, resulting in the heating of the adsorbent. The controller may also activate a blower to distribute the scent produced by the heated adsorbent and to cool the adsorbent at the end of the scent distribution cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Firooz Rasouli, Hamid Arastoopour, Ali Oskouie
  • Patent number: 5997827
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing surfaces has a tube and a plurality of nozzles wherein a mixture of hot air and vaporized hydrogen peroxide is fed from the tube, which is heated and which includes a porous section for feeding vaporized hydrogen peroxide into hot air fed through the tube to provide a mixture of hot air and vaporized hydrogen peroxide, the mixture being fed from the tube to surfaces to be sterilized by the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec, S.A.
    Inventors: Ulrich Mezger, Christian Schmied
  • Patent number: 5993748
    Abstract: An extraction device utilizing hot air or gas for volatizing at least one substituent of a material is provided. The device has a container for holding material. The device also has a cap that is provided with holes leading from the exterior thereof to a chamber in the cap. The cap is adapted to be seated on the container so that the chamber of the cap communicates with an open end and a chamber of the container. A non-flame type heating unit is disposed in the chamber of the cap for heating gas. Gas is caused to pass through the holes of the cap, into the chamber thereof, through the chamber of the container and out of a discharge opening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: David L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5989497
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for deodorizing malodorous solids, liquids, and/or gases by contacting them with a mist of an aqueous deodorizing solution consisting of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorite, buffering agent(s), water, and optionally an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorate and/or an alkali metal alkaline earth metal chloride. The preferred alkali metal is sodium. The deodorizing solution contains available chlorine dioxide and has a pH of about 8.5-9.5. In the process a concentrated solution of the deodorizing solution is diluted and mixed with water and misted into or onto the substance(s) to be deodorized, for example, the sewer gases from a sewage lift station. The apparatus consists of a rotameter which measures the amount of the concentrated deodorizing solution introduced into an eductor for dilution in a passing water stream which is then transported to spray nozzles for misting the malodorous substance(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roland R. Labonte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5972290
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the programmed scenting of environments, comprising the steps of piercing a capsule containing a fragrant substance and dispersing a sequence of the fragrances throughout the environment in synchronization with an event being held. The event can be any live, recorded, or pre-programmed performance, including motion pictures, television episodes, computer games, or stage plays. The fragrances dispersed into the environment derive from capsules of scenting substances and compounds embedded on a disk and pierced in synchronization with the actions, places, and motions being executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Mauricio De Sousa
  • Patent number: 5961919
    Abstract: A deodorizing and disinfecting apparatus having catalyst deterioration detection function of the present invention comprises: an air supply portion for inhaling air inside; an ozone generating portion for discharging ozone to the inhaled air: a catalyst for accelerating deodorizing and disinfecting actions and decomposition of the ozone disposed downstream from the ozone generating portion; an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of remaining ozone disposed downstream from the catalyst; and means for repeating a cycle including stop of ozone discharge from the ozone generating portion for a predetermined time period when the concentration of the remaining ozone reaches a predetermined concentration or more, and for determining that the catalyst is deteriorated when a condition wherein an interval between times when the concentration of the remaining ozone is not less than a predetermined concentration becomes shorter than a predetermined time period is recognized at a predetermined frequency, and then
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Tachibana, Akiyoshi Hattori, Nobuyuki Yoshiike, Akihiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5939033
    Abstract: A system to deliver gas/vapor from solid materials. Specifically, the delivery system for the use of gas or vapor released from a solid material, such as a non-aqueous/solid hydrogen peroxide complex. The system is comprised of a delivery system that is configured to receive a plurality of disks containing the solid material and provide these disks into an injector. The injector heats the disks to produce a gas or vapor that is then provided into a chamber. The sterilization process can be done by gas or vapor alone, or in combination with plasma or ultra violet radiation. In particular, a control system automatically induces the delivery system to provide the injector with a disk and then remove the disk once the injection sequence is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jed Kendall, Xiaolan Chen, Michael Hahs, Paul Taylor Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Robert M. Spencer, Harold R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5928605
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a volatile substance includes a gas-fueled, portable heat source. The device includes a catalyst support structure to flamelessly combust liquid or gaseous fuel and thereby provide a lower temperature heat source than a heat source that combusts fuel via flame. The fuel is ignited inside the catalytic support structure by a spark electrode. A spark jumps from the electrode to an interior surface of the structure and ignites the fuel inside the structure, causing a flame to propagate. The flame heats the catalytic structure to an activation temperature, after which the fuel is combusted flamelessly on the surface of the catalytic structure. The device includes a heating plate for heating the volatile substance and for receiving heat from the catalytic structure. A heat box substantially surrounds the catalytic structure and heating plate. The heat box has a window through which volatile substances released from the heating plate may escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Schawbel Corporation
    Inventors: James Bonnema, Wen Der Wang, Scott W. Demarest, Paul E. Furner, Donald W. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 5900219
    Abstract: In order to improve a generator for generating a product gas by means of a chemical reaction between an educt gas and a liquid, comprising a closed reaction chamber with a liquid supply, a liquid discharge, an educt gas supply, a product gas discharge, a liquid bath arranged within the reaction chamber and a substrate member arranged for rotation in the reaction chamber, the axis of rotation of this substrate member being arranged such that during a rotation of the substrate member at least part of the surface of the substrate member alternatingly dips into the liquid bath and emerges from the liquid bath wetted by the liquid, such that a motor arranged outside the reaction chamber for rotating the substrate member can be dispensed with and the requirement of a pressure-tight passage for a drive shaft of the substrate member through a wall of the reaction chamber is not applicable it is suggested that the generator comprise a flow generator for generating a continuous flow of the liquid in the reaction chambe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fuer Luft -ung Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schall, Willy L. Bohn