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 apparatus and method for sanitizing, decontaminating, deodorizing, conditioning, drying, treating, cleaning, modifying and/or otherwise improving an atmosphere within a container. The container can be a bag or other housing for equipment, food and/or suitable material. Ozone is generated within an atmosphere that is exposed to the materials. The generated ozone is mixed with the atmosphere. At least a portion of the generated ozone is then removed from the mixed atmosphere. The apparatus and method of this invention can be used to treat contaminated sports equipment and the like, as well as to treat food storage atmospheres, such as those exposed to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: A cooking device includes an inner case, a cooking chamber within the inner case and an odor removal unit configured to generate a plasma discharge for removing odor-producing materials from the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A fluid disinfection module (10) comprises a first housing (12) and a second housing (20) arranged in spaced-apart relationship to each other. The first housing (12) includes tubular support members (28) and (28a) extending laterally therefrom for respective slidable mateable engagement with corresponding tubular support members (30) and (30a) also laterally extending from second housing (20), to vary the lateral distance x between the first and second housings (12) and (20). A locking device maintains tubular support members (28,28a) and (30,30a) in fixed relationship with respect to each other. First housing (12), second housing (20), and corresponding tubular support members (28,28a) and (30,30a) define a framework for supporting one or more ultraviolet radiation sources (18) and (26) that are detachably mounted at one end thereof to housings (12) and (20), respectively.

Abstract: Air freshener products and methods for freshening air are disclosed. In some embodiments, the air freshening product may include a container for storing an air freshening composition that may contain compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, or carbon dioxide. When the container is completely filled with propellant and air freshening composition, the air freshening composition may be released from the container at a flow rate of from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5 grams/second, wherein the mean particle size of the released spray droplets is from about 10 microns to about 100 microns. The method of freshening air, in certain embodiments, provides improved delivery of an air freshening composition using a non-hydrocarbon propellant. If malodor counteractants are used, the method may also provide a reduction in malodors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a desktop sterilizer for books. The sterilizer includes an openable main body which has a sterilization chamber therein and is closable by a door so as to be openable through an opening, and a book holder which is provided in the sterilization chamber to maintain the covers of a book in a state of being unfolded. The sterilizer further includes a sterilizing UV lamp which sterilizes the book, and an air discharger which is connected to a blower and blows air towards the proximal edges of pages bound to a book spine of the book held by the book holder, thus opening the pages of the book.

Abstract: A wall-mounted aromatic air freshener device includes a board, and a housing and a frame, both disposed at a backside of the board, a container disposed in the housing for containing an essential oil, a light emitting element and a light emitting control element, both installed in the frame, a switch device for turning on or off the light emitting element, such that an oil wick can absorb and vaporize an essential oil to disperse an aromatic air, and the light emitting element produces an optical decorative effect, so as to constitute the aromatic air freshener device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an air freshener that is constructed and arranged to be secured to the supporting shaft of a ceiling fan. One embodiment of the device includes a scented ring of wickable material having an inner aperture and split through one side. The aperture is sized to cooperate with the supporting shaft of the fan and the split allows the scented ring to be sprung apart for easy installation of the device about the supporting rod. The wickable material includes properties that allow the device to remain in position about the supporting rod once installed while wicking a fragrance composition substantially to its surface for distributing a fragrance evenly throughout an open area, such as a large room. The inner and bottom surfaces of the scented ring may include a polymeric coating to prevent the fragrance composition from wicking to a supporting surface.

Abstract: Air freshener products and methods for freshening air are disclosed. In some embodiments, the air freshening product may include a container for storing an air freshening composition that may contain compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, or carbon dioxide. When the container is completely filled with propellant and air freshening composition, the air freshening composition may be released from the container at a flow rate of from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5 grams/second, wherein the mean particle size of the released spray droplets is from about 10 microns to about 100 microns. The method of freshening air, in certain embodiments, provides improved delivery of an air freshening composition using a non-hydrocarbon propellant. If malodor counteractants are used, the method may also provide a reduction in malodors.

Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a circuit board and at least one treatment element mounted adjacent to the circuit board and storing volatile maintaining matters therein. The circuit board generates heat when the portable electronic device is working to heat the treatment element, and then the maintaining matters volatilize to maintain the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An environment is moderated in an area where animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. Animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. The animal wastes are of the type that generate or provide in or above the fluid containing compartment at least one waste selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptans and organic acids. A combination is provided of i) a polymer capable of absorbing at least ten times its weight in water (preferably a superpolymer) and ii) a combination of salts that react to liberate I2. At least one waste is flocculated with liberated I2 (and any cations from the reactive salts) to form a flocculent that has reduced odor and reduced microbial content. The flocculent may be used as a fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain aspects, discloses systems and methods for treating a human being and/or items with descenting material, the systems, in certain aspects, including a generator for producing descenting material, and, in certain aspects at least one direction apparatus in communication with the generator for receiving produced descenting material from the generator and for directing said descenting material in a desired direction.

Abstract: A wiping product is disclosed containing an odor control agent. In one embodiment, the wipe may comprise a pre-moistened wipe containing a wiping solution. The wiping solution can contain the odor control agent. The odor control agent may comprise inorganic oxide particles, quinone compounds, or activated carbon particles. The odor control agent can be present in the wipe and can be configured to transfer to an opposing surface. In one embodiment, the pre-moistened wipe can be used during diaper changing to reduce malodors given off by the diaper after being discarded.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reducing and/or preventing infection and controlling and/or reducing the level of one or more pathogens, allergens and/or odor-causing agents.

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: An enclosure covers a UV lamp and has a mechanically-adjustable opening for changing an amount of the UV radiation being emitted from the enclosure, and an ozone-creating passageway receives the radiation being emitted from the enclosure. A method includes producing ozone-generating radiation, mechanically attenuating the ozone-generating radiation, and mixing the attenuated ozone-generating radiation with air to produce ozone. The method may include powering a lamp for emitting ozone-producing radiation, and adjusting an amount of ozone produced by the ozone-producing radiation by rotating a first opening with respect to a second opening.

Abstract: A method for treating odorous gases of a chemical pulp mill, according to which method odorous gases are combusted in a separate combustion device and flue gas generated therein is scrubbed. The scrubbed flue gas is led into a recovery boiler. The flue gas is scrubbed in a series of scrubbers wherein scrubbing solution discharged from one scrubber may be fed to a preceding scrubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment article and a method for treating a fabric by delivering one or more powdered benefit agents to a fabric in a tumble dryer and thus providing at least one fabric benefit such as sanitization and/or disinfection, whitening and/or stain removal to the fabric during the tumble drying process. The treatment article functions to dispense at least one powdered benefit agent to the fabric by means of a diffusing membrane having an average pore diameter such that the tumbling and/or heating action provided during the tumble drying process results in the delivery of an oxidant material in the form of a powdered benefit agent to the initially damp or wet fabric to provide at least one primary fabric benefit to the treated fabric. Optionally, a second and/or third benefit agent may additionally be included in the treatment article for simultaneous delivery of one or more additional fabric benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas purifier containing a filtering media having a photocatalytic action, a system for illuminating said media with UV radiation, a time-delay means or a volatile organic compound analyzer, and a means for automatically adjusting the speed of the gas passing through the media or for adjusting the intensity of the UV illumination, said adjusting being carried out as a function of the time determined by the time-delay means or as a function of the content of a volatile organic compound analyzed by the analyzer.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.

Abstract: A modular germicidal light grid system for use inside an air treatment apparatus that has a plenum in which a stream of air is enclosed. The system comprises at least one elongate member and at least one lamp assembly. Each lamp assembly comprises a housing defining at least one socket and is mounted to one elongate member at a predetermined position. The system further comprises at least one linear germicidal light source. Each light source has a longitudinal axis and a distal end constructed and arranged to mount within one socket of the housing. The elongate member is mounted within the plenum and the lamp assembly is mounted to the elongate member such that the longitudinal axis of the light source extends therein the stream of air and is positioned at an acute light angle relative to the direction of flow of the stream of air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic kit and more specifically to a self contained diagnostic kit providing analysis of a sample by a sample collectin element and an immunochromatography test strip.

Abstract: Methods of removing odors, particularly odors within enclosed environments are provided which employ nanocrystalline metal oxide and metal hydroxide particles. The nanocrystalline particles are dispersed within an enclosed space so as to contact exposed surfaces located within the space such as walls, floors, upholstery, and the like and adsorb odor-causing materials located within the enclosed space.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a cooking chamber; a first deodorization region along which air from the cooking chamber flows and in which a plasma discharge is generated for removing odor-producing materials generated in the cooking chamber from the air; and a bypass region along which air from the cooking chamber flows to bypass the first deodorization region.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)

Abstract: A deodorizer device for controlling body odor comprises a structure having an external metal oxide surface with a contour to contact the surface of the skin where perspiration is produced and is degraded by bacterial organisms on the skin into body odor. The metal oxide surface is reactable with water supplied to the surface of the skin to render the bacterial organisms ineffectual to degrade perspiration later produced on the skin into body odor. The deodorizer device together with a water source form a deodorizer system. A method of controlling body odor involves supplying water to the surface of the skin where perspiration is produced and is degraded by bacterial organisms into body odor and, at the same time, contacting the surface of the skin with a metal oxide surface of a deodorizer device.

Abstract: A filter change indicator is provided and includes a fragrance and auditory emission apparatus adapted to be installed in disposable-type air filters utilized to remove contaminants carried along in the air stream of HVAC systems. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus functions to emit a shrill tone or whistling noise when the air filter becomes dirty or clogged. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus also functions as an air freshener or a room deodorizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an absorbent pad with a layered architecture that is adapted for absorbing liquids in trash receptacles that masks or suppresses odors therein. The present disclosure also provides a method of using an absorbent pad to absorb trash liquids to reduce or mask odors, delay spoilage of food wastes, and repel rodents or other pests.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a glass, glass ceramic, ceramic or metal substrate, is provided with a thermocatalytically active coating on at least a part of the substrate surface. The thermocatalytic coating contains an inorganic lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound in an amount that is equivalent to not less than 2 wt. % of lithium ions, based on total coating weight. The thermocatalytic coating has a glass, glass solder or sol-gel matrix in which the lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound is introduced. Optional barrier and IR-reflecting layers are arranged between the substrate surface and the thermocatalytically active coating.

Abstract: A vehicle efficacious constituents supply apparatus 10 includes a main unit 13 including an air gun and a subunit 15 including an air gun. A curling ring V1 of air containing aromatic constituents is projected from the main unit 13 towards an efficacious area A, while a curling ring V2 of air is projected from the subunit 15 towards the efficacious area A. A control unit for controlling projection timings of curling rings V1, V2 includes an alarming mode in which a projection interval at which curling rings v1 are projected is set shorter than a projection interval at which curling rings V2 are projected, and by executing this alarming mode, curling rings V2 can be applied to an occupant without causing the curling rings V2 so projected to disappear in the efficacious area A.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process for rapidly reclaiming brown grease from a source of brown grease. In particular, the process comprises simultaneously transporting and heating the source of brown grease through a heated metal pipeline, and separating the lipid component comprising brown grease from other components in the source of brown grease. Also provided is a method for preparing a biodiesel solution from a lipid mixture comprising brown grease.

Abstract: In order to efficiently kill airborne fungi in a room, an ion generator includes an ion generator, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature, and a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity. The ion generator is controlled based on a temperature detection result detected by the temperature sensor and a humidity detection result detected by the humidity sensor. As ions are generated in accordance with the temperature and humidity, airborne fungi can efficiently be killed.

Abstract: Air freshener products and methods for freshening air are disclosed. In some embodiments, the air freshening product may include a container for storing an air freshening composition that may contain compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, or carbon dioxide. When the container is completely filled with propellant and air freshening composition, the air freshening composition may be released from the container at a flow rate of from about 0.0001 grams/second to about 1.2 grams/second. The method of freshening air, in certain embodiments, provides improved delivery of an air freshening composition using a non-hydrocarbon propellant. If malodor counteractants are used, the method may also provide a reduction in malodors.

Abstract: There are provided methods for treating a fluid having an undesirable odor. The methods comprise contacting the fluid with a H2O2 basic aqueous oxidizing composition and/or with a H2O2 acidic aqueous oxidizing composition. Optionally, the fluid can be further treated by contacting it with activated carbon and/or by submitting the fluid and the composition to UV radiation when they are contacting together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the air within an interior area, includes a fan, a first module receiving air from the fan and preferably a first liquid, and a second module receiving air from the first module and preferably including a second liquid. The modules are preferably stacked, whereby air enters the fan module on the bottom and is delivered to the environment from the second module at the top. The air flows from the fan along a pathway which prevents liquid from escaping from the modules other than as vapor entrained in the air. The first liquid is preferably an aqueous alkaline solution, and the second liquid preferably includes a disinfectant and/or a buffer to neutralize the alkaline before air is delivered to the environment. The modules may have an inner wall and an outer wall presenting a dead-air space therebetween.

Abstract: Containers and methods for storing animal waste, such as feline or canine waste, human waste, and/or soiled waste products, and controlling associated odor are described. A container having a compressible body with an open top, is provided, the body of the container including a material substantially impermeable to vapor to prevent permeation of odor through the body. Waste is deposited within the container, and a closing member is used to secure the open top of the container in a closed position to at least partially prevent exodus of air carrying the odor from the interior. A filtering member secured within the interior of the container further removes odor to minimize exodus of odor from the container into the surrounding environment. The container can thereby effectively store waste while controlling associated odors, enabling indoor storage, or similar temporary retention of the contained waste until outdoor disposal becomes convenient.

Abstract: A car freshener system includes a portable reservoir seated within the vehicle, a predetermined volume of a liquid air freshening compound housed within the reservoir, and a portable discharge casing disposed within the vehicle with a rotary discharging mechanism housed therein. The discharge casing includes an input port and an output port in fluid communication with the reservoir in such a manner that the liquid air freshening compound is caused to enter through the input port and travels along a unidirectional arcuate path defined along a major interior circumference of the discharge casing prior to exiting through the output port.

Abstract: A diaper or other fluid arresting cover for a human body, bearing a weak base such as sodium bicarbonate for neutralizing acids in fluids secreted by the human body and intercepted by the fluid arresting cover. The fluid arresting cover may comprise in respective order a first water permeable wicking stratum, a second water permeable wicking stratum of different constituency than the first wicking stratum, a third stratum for absorbing water, a fourth stratum which is water permeable and can wick water to other strata, and a liquid impermeable outer membrane. The weak base may be incorporated into the third stratum or alternatively into the third and other strata. The weak base may be impregnated throughout a stratum or may comprise an exterior coating with adhesive engaging the exterior coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexed metal salts which comprise ligands and at least one complexing agent for chemically binding noxious substances and/or odour-forming substances, the ligands comprising a hydrophobic carbon skeleton with hydrophilic groups. The complexed metal salt formed with the complexing agent is water-soluble and surface-active. Preferred complexing agents are water-soluble acids or salts of at least bifunctional acids, or also ether carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A method for removing the human scent and any other scent that is not advantageous to the environment you are in from clothing and equipment used by sportsmen by the use of gaseous ozone or hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions. The gas is applied directly or indirectly to the clothing, equipment and body while the hunter is in the field and/or prior to or after the hunt. The method can also be used by fishermen to eliminate fish odor. The method of delivering a gas in compressed/generated form from a container.

Abstract: A system and method (1) for acquiring, compiling and storing measured values in a temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture-dependent process comprises at least one sensor (4, 6) for acquiring measured values. The device (1) contains means (3) for storing the measured values. The sensor (4, 6) and the means (3) are designed to be positioned inside a closed process chamber (2). The device (1) further comprises means (11) for the wireless transmission of the stored measured values at preset or settable time intervals to a receiver unit (10) disposed outside the closed process chamber (2). In a process for monitoring a temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture-dependent process, an acquisition of measured values is accomplished by means of at least one sensor (4, 6) located inside a closed process chamber (2).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a clothes-conditioning hanger able to condition (e.g. fragrance) clothing on the hanger. The hanger has a socket (9) beneath its apex (4), which can retain a source of conditioning agent. The hanger arms (3) contain passageways and apertures (6) whereby conditioning agent may be delivered to the clothing on the hanger.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The appliance may be programmed to operate according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance. Anti-fatigue schemes may provide variation of the flow rate or periodic operation of the appliance. Initiation controls schemes may be used to start treatment of the space before the appliance is programmed to operate according to one of the control schemes.

Abstract: A method of treating excreta is provided in which excreta is received into a simplified toilet pack and treated in a treatment container usable for a thermal treatment, and the treated excreta can be hygienically discarded. It is a method of treating excreta characterized in receiving excreta with a container-shaped toilet pack made of a heat-resistant and water-repellent film material containing a heat insulating member at least in the excreta receiving area; sprinkling excreta treatment agent over the excreta received by said toilet pack; throwing them without mixing into a treatment bag made of a heat-resistant film material together with said toilet pack to have the excreta thermally treated inside said treatment bag; and discarding the contents together with the treatment bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing and/or deodorizing objects is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes an ozone source to provide ozone, and a hydrogen peroxide source to provide hydrogen peroxide. A mixing element intermixes the ozone and hydrogen peroxide to produce a mixture comprising oxidizing radicals. An applicator applies the mixture to an object before the oxidizing radicals decompose. The oxidizing radicals in the mixture work to oxidize organic substances, thereby interrupting the life cycle of living organisms and/or destroying or neutralizing odors. In selected embodiments, the applicator disperses the mixture into a closed environment, such as a substantially sealed room or enclosure, to sterilize and/or deodorize objects contained therein. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for conserving water in a conventional water-based urinal where the water has been shut off, the block includes a first block portion that makes up about forty percent to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a first portion composition substantially similar to a conventional, non-paradichlorobenzene block used in water-based urinals for deodorizing during each flush, and a second block portion that makes up about forty to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a second portion composition of a blended mixture of a non-paradichlorobenzene block portion, an odor counteractant gel, and a bacterial culture gel.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are deodorizer systems and methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a frame disposed around a periphery of the mesh such that the mesh is configured to be in optical communication with sunlight and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2. In another embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh disposed in a housing and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a UV light source disposed to be in optical communication with the mesh. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2.

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.