Liquid Contact Patents (Class 454/157)
  • Patent number: 11897515
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) implements a health protocol that may reduce pathogen transmission between users of the AV. The AV is equipped with a thermal sensor that captures a body temperature of a user. The AV compares the user's temperature to a threshold temperature, and if the user's temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the AV performs checks to ensure that the user's planned trip follows current regulations or recommendations. For example, the AV confirms that the user is traveling between the user's home and a healthcare facility. If the trip is permitted, the AV enables the user to enter the AV. The AV may include a disinfectant system for disinfecting the passenger compartment or surfaces after the user exits the AV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer Devar McKnew
  • Patent number: 11884133
    Abstract: The present application relates to an air conditioning method and system, a vehicle, and a storage medium. The method comprises: determining an ambient temperature inside the vehicle; determining an operating state of a temperature regulation unit and a minimum air volume of an odor regulation unit in the operating state; receiving a setting of an intensity level of the odor regulation unit, wherein the temperature regulation unit shares an air passage with the odor regulation unit; and determining an air volume of the odor regulation unit according to the ambient temperature, the operating state, the minimum air volume, and the intensity level. According to this method, the release degree of the fragrance or the like inside the vehicle may be precisely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: NIO TECHNOLOGY (ANHUI) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Fang Han, Ruipo Zhao, Yan Song, Guangming Tian
  • Patent number: 8758681
    Abstract: A free radical sterilization system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The free-radical sterilization system is used in sterilizing items in the chamber and, with an open-bottomed wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Czeslaw Golkowski
  • Publication number: 20140051344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deodorization device (1) for a vehicle, with a container (2) for a deodorant (3), wherein the container (2) for the deodorant (3) is provided with at least one opening (7, 8), and with a holding device (4) for mounting the deodorization device (1) on a ventilation slot in the interior of a vehicle, wherein the holding device (4) comprises at least one clamping part (6). The at least one clamping part (6) is made of elastic material, has an elliptical or circular cross section and is configured so as to be able to be introduced in a holding manner into a ventilation slot of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Supair-Tel AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Guggenheim, Beat Keller
  • Patent number: 8302674
    Abstract: An air conditioning system, which can automatically remove a malodor generated due to condensate water remaining in an evaporator during a predetermined period of time after operation of an air conditioner or turning-off of the air conditioner and control a filtering mode time of a filter to filter an air. The air conditioning system characteristically comprises a shiftable deodorization filter (30 or 40) located on a flow channel of the cool air passageway and operationally moved to a filtering mode position so as to screen the flow channel of the cool air passageway during a predetermined period of time after an air conditioner is turned on or off, whereby the air passing through the cool air passageway C and a malodor contained in the air are filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Jae-Ho Kim, Yong-Jun Jee, Seong-Seok Han
  • Publication number: 20120156980
    Abstract: This is a new system to aromatize spacious rooms, such as apartments, offices, factories, among other possible premises, such as shops, hotels or even large means of transport such as ships or ocean liners, all of which in many cases are likely to have central ventilation facilities. This new room aromatization concept results from the implementation of a scent dispensing device or apparatus comprising an electromechanical device or mechanism, that is automatic and programmable, and an aerosol container containing liquid that is either an aromatization product, sanitizer or the like, which is then sprayed onto the area where the device is located, as a result of the programmed automatic action of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Marcelo Lazaro Zelicovich
  • Patent number: 8019591
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic user training in speech-to-speech translation includes integrating an automatic user response system configured to be responsive to a plurality of training items and selecting a training item from the plurality of training items. For the selected training item, in response to an utterance in a first language, the utterance is translated into a second language, and a response to the utterance in the second language is generated. A simulated action corresponding with the response in accordance with a user speaking the second language is also generated. The response and simulated action are output as a learning exercise for learning operations of the automatic user response system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yuqing Gao, Liang Gu, Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8002615
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blower for a vehicle, which has an auxiliary door formed on the upper end portion of a filter cover to open and close an indoor air inlet, thereby improving a heating performance by allowing some of the indoor air to flow therein in an outdoor air inflow mode regardless of a type of an indoor and outdoor air switching door, improving productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Chunshik Jeong, Daewoong Lee, Minsoo Kim, Jongsu Kim
  • Publication number: 20110195651
    Abstract: A liquid-misting apparatus is described that is installed in the air-handling system of a vehicle. Upon operation by an occupant of the vehicle, the system mists liquid containing a fragrance, deodorant, antibacterial solution, etc. or any combination thereof into the air handling system of the vehicle to improve the comfort and enjoyment of all of the occupants of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Ariel Rancel, John Tiplady, Eyal Hakim
  • Publication number: 20100323602
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle is provided with an air conditioning unit including a heat exchanger, a fan for sending air to the air conditioning unit, a duct for introducing the air passed through the air conditioning unit into the vehicle, and an electrified fine particulate water generating device. The electrified fine particulate water generation device includes an electrified fine particulate water generation part for generating electrified fine particulate water. The electrified fine particle water generation part is disposed on the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Suematsu, Hiroshi Soma
  • Publication number: 20100019059
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air-freshening dispensing device, including a housing having a pair of mounts for mounting respective containers provided in outer sections of the housing; and a switchable shutter element arranged for selectively shutting access of an airflow to any of the outer sections. According to the invention, the shutter element is provided in a mid section between the outer sections and communicatively coupled to an air inlet. An air outlet provides throughput of the airflow through the mid section and the device further includes a clamp for clamping the unit onto an outlet channel to provide an airflow into the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SARA LEE/DE N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Jan Bulsink, Caspar Barry Bogerd
  • Patent number: 7621807
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to satisfy the following: (1) it prevents the adsorption of antibacterial agent to the filter during storage, (2) for this reason, makes the container and the filter separable and furthermore makes it easy to fix the container, and (3) makes it possible to change the filter and the antibacterial agent respectively separately with simple operations. The fixing mechanism of the container in which an antibacterial agent has been sealed according to the present invention is a fixing mechanism for a container in which an antibacterial agent is sealed in a vehicle air conditioning device. And, fixing means 53 are provided for removably fixing the container 31 to the lid 51 which opens and closes the inlet/outlet port 50 of the filter unit 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques S.A.S.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hara, Akihiko Yoshida, Takao Koike
  • Patent number: 7188485
    Abstract: A device is provided for conditioning air by controllably delivering liquid products in a room, a mall, a hospital, a factory, a cinema, an office, a theatre or any similar building, facility. The device includes at least a motor driven electromechanical liquid sprayer and a motor connected to at least a device-operation programming circuit. This programming circuit includes several timers for driving the motor according to programmed data as to start time, end time, sequential activation frequency, length of each sequential activation, etc. The device may be used both for aromatizing and disinfecting and for any procedure requiring spraying liquid products in any room or facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Smellgood LLC
    Inventor: Cesar Miguel Szpekman
  • Patent number: 7097555
    Abstract: According to the invention, the body (2) of the ventilator (1) defines at least one housing (5) behind the front face (12) of the ventilator (1), said housing communicating with the vent (1) tube (10) by means of one or more openings (17). Each housing (5) is intended to receive one or more scent spraying elements. The ventilator (1) comprises closing means (31) that are designed to prevent each housing (5) communicating with said tube (10) when in a first position and to allow said communication when in a second position. Furthermore, the ventilator (1) comprises means for controlling (31a) said closing means (31) which can be ventilator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Bourbon Automobile
    Inventor: Claude Bourbon
  • Patent number: 6991532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Corp.
    Inventor: Samuel W. Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 6843965
    Abstract: A sports figure shaped fan for ventilation grills comprising a caricature formed in the shape of a sports figure. The fan is attached to a ventilation grill and the arms are extended and rotate when subjected to a back draft from the air flow of the ventilation system. The rotation mimics a throwing action of the sports figure. The fan also includes a reservoir and access to the reservoir for inserting one of a scenting agent, a deodorizing agent and a combination thereof, in the reservoir located in a designated portion of the caricature. The designated portion of the sports figure caricature is sufficiently permeable on either side of the reservoir so that a vapor is dispersed by the movement of the air flow. Another embodiment includes the lighting of a portion of the sports figure when a telecommunication signal is received by a cell phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Matulevich
  • Patent number: 6787104
    Abstract: A system for detection and treatment of chemical weapons and/or biological pathogens uses a detector system, an electrostatic precipitator or scrubber, a circulation system, and a control. The precipitator or scrubber is activated in response to a signal from the detector upon the detection of chemical weapons and/or biological pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Raymond P. Mariella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6769979
    Abstract: An air cleaning system comprising an air cleaner provided on a vehicle and a device which can keep the air cleaner in operation while a vehicle is parked, whereby the quality of air inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be improved while the vehicle is parked. Consequently, the quality of the air can be improved in advance before an occupant enters the vehicle, and the quality of the air can further be improved without fully depending upon the function of a catalytic filter of the air cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yukitaka Abe, Hitoshi Ninomiya, Motomi Mizuno, Hiroshi Kataoka, Shinji Iwama
  • Patent number: 6764656
    Abstract: A sports figure shaped fan for ventilation grills comprising a caricature formed in the shape of a sports figure. The sports figure shaped fan is attached to a ventilation grill and the arms are extended and rotate when subjected to a back draft from the air flow of the ventilation system. The rotation mimics a throwing action of the sports figure. The sports figure shaped fan also includes a reservoir and access to the reservoir for inserting one of a scenting agent, a deodorizing agent and a combination thereof, in the reservoir located in a designated portion of the caricature. The designated portion of the sports figure caricature is sufficiently permeable on either side of the reservoir so that when the air flow passes by the sports figure, a vapor is dispersed by the movement of the air flow emanating from the ventilation grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Matulevich
  • Publication number: 20030186643
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle heating and/or air conditioning device comprising a housing (4) emerging into the passenger compartment, a fan (18) for sucking in an air flow into the housing (4) and for blowing it into the vehicle passenger compartment, fragrance-supplying means comprising a case (40) containing an amount of one or several perfuming agents fixed on a support (44) housed in the case (40) and capable of releasing a fragrance. The case (40) comprises a diffusing zone perforated with passages (42) allowing through an air flow. The support (44) of the perfuming agent is mobile between a diffusing position and a storage position wherein the perfuming agent is isolated from the diffusing zone by a barrier proof against the perfuming agent vapour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Vincent Feuillard, Nathalie Lemaitre
  • Publication number: 20030186644
    Abstract: An air cleaning system comprising an air cleaner provided on a vehicle and a device which can keep the air cleaner in operation while a vehicle is parked, whereby the quality of air inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle can be improved while the vehicle is parked. Consequently, the quality of the air can be improved in advance before an occupant enters the vehicle, and the quality of the air can further be improved without fully depending upon the function of a catalytic filter of the air cleaning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Yukitaka Abe, Hitoshi Ninomiya, Motomi Mizuno, Hiroshi Kataoka, Shinji Iwama
  • Patent number: 6595499
    Abstract: An evaporating unit whose cabinet incorporates an external hot air intake for its acclimatization is disclosed. The external air intake is located in the base of the cabinet and has grids arranged around the three sides of the base, that is to say a grid close to the front edge and two grids following the two side edges of the base of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Col-Ven S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael A. Colussi, Néstor J. Vénica
  • Patent number: 6511049
    Abstract: A cooling unit includes a housing (1) with an evaporating unit (7) installed on the inclined roof of a cabin and an external water reservoir (29) with a rising pump (31) installed lower down, between the cabin and the rear part of a truck. The return hose (15′) of the excess water gutter (45) coming from the evaporator has an upper end (14) connected to the front part of the gutter and then it crosses a rising stretch to leave by the rear part of the housing and descending down to its lower end which is connected at the outlet of the pump, together with the feed hose (6) of the evaporator by means of a coupling (47). The pump control is intermittent, with a duty cycle lower than 10%, sufficient to purge the return hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Col-Ven S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael A. Colussi, Néstor J. Vénica
  • Patent number: 6494778
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an aroma-dispersing unit in the HVAC system of an automobile. The aroma-dispersing unit includes a passageway and an aroma cartridge housed in an aroma cartridge housing. The passageway includes a first portion, a low-pressure zone and a second portion. The low-pressure zone defines an opening. The aroma cartridge is in communication with the low-pressure zone. The aroma cartridge also defines an opening at the top of the aroma cartridge. The opening of the low-pressure zone and the opening of the aroma cartridge are alignable such that air passing through the low-pressure zone can extract aroma from the aroma cartridge. The aroma mixed air enters the second portion of the passageway where it is dispersed into the interior of the automobile. The amount of aroma extracted from the aroma cartridge can be varied by adjusting the proximity of the opening of the aroma cartridge relative to the opening of the low-pressure zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Irene Olha Kossak, Timothy James Hall, John David Hoeschele
  • Publication number: 20020137455
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning or de-icing a vehicle window, including a reservoir for containing therein a washing fluid, a vessel having an inlet through which the washing fluid is received from the reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning a vehicle window, and a first heating element disposed in the vessel for heating the fluid in the vessel, characterized by an auxiliary heating element being disposed in the vessel for heating the fluid in the vessel, wherein the auxiliary heating element is disposed at a bottom portion of the vessel and is operative to heat a quantity of fluid which is not necessarily sufficient to cover the first heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Vyshislav Ivanov, Jossef Rogozinski, Uri Arkashevski
  • Patent number: 6418734
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, kits and methods for cleaning an air conditioning unit having an air conduit defined by at least one wall with a hole therein the allows a cleaner to be introduced between a fan and a heat exchanger of the unit positioned along the conduit. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a resilient female component that is manually inserted into the hole. The female component has an opening therein that provides access to the conduit between the fan and the heat exchanger. A male component is removably received within the female component and it has a passageway therein that allows the cleaner to flow therethrough into the conduit. A plug is manually inserted into the opening upon removal of the male component. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a one way valve is attached to the wall at a point that allows a cleaner to be introduced between the fan and the heat exchanger of the unit, and a connector attached to a container of cleaner is removably attached to the one way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Moc Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Waco
  • Patent number: 6375849
    Abstract: In an aircraft, tap water is filtered, vaporized and injected into a trim line of an environmental control system. Filtering is performed by a reverse osmosis filter. Hot, humidified air leaving the trim line is supplied to a cabin of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Crabtree, Jim Beals, Gary Kumagai, Robert Tom, Stan Pollitt
  • Patent number: 6264548
    Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a deodorizing, disinfecting or freshening substance is mounted in the heating and air conditioning ductwork of a vehicle, and includes an electronic controller that controls the operation of the system. The substance dispensed by the system is spread through the ductwork throughout the interior of the vehicle by the heating and air conditioning system of the vehicle. The system is operated during a cycle that includes an ON time, during which the substance is dispensed, and an OFF time, during which the substance is not dispensed. The system is configured to cycle only when the vehicle ignition is on. The system can also be configured to cycle only when the parking brake is released, or when the vehicle transmission is in gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Transcents, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. Payne, Jr., Irvin L. Parr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6233963
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, kits and methods for cleaning an air conditioning unit having an air conduit defined by at least one wall with a hole therein the allows a cleaner to be introduced between a fan and a heat exchanger of the unit positioned along the conduit. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a resilient female component that is manually inserted into the hole. The female component has an opening therein that provides access to the conduit between the fan and the heat exchanger. A male component is removably received within the female component and it has a passageway therein that allows the cleaner to flow therethrough into the conduit. A plug is manually inserted into the opening upon removal of the male component. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a one way valve is attached to the wall at a point that allows a cleaner to be introduced between the fan and the heat exchanger of the unit, and a connector attached to a container of cleaner is removably attached to the one way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: MOC Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Waco
  • Patent number: 6102660
    Abstract: A miniature fan for air freshener includes a freely rotatable fan seat, a bearing mounted at the center of the fan seat, a holder at the bottom of the fan seat, a container within the fan seat, a top cap mounted on the top of the container, a fastening nut and a fastening means mounted at the bottom of the holder, characterized in that the fan seat includes central slot, a circular conduit wall, a plurality of inner blades mounted in between the conduit wall and the central slot, and a plurality of rotatable outer blade mounted at the outer surrounding of the circular conduit wall, the bearing is mounted within the central slot and the bottom shaft of the container is pivotally inserted into the shaft hole of the bearing, the protruded top end of the holder is connected to the bottom shaft of the container and is combined together by means of the fastening nut, and a fragrance platelet is mounted within the container having a protruded shaft to adapt to the center hole of the fragrance platelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Pao-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 6099404
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for humidification of air in a cabin (4) of an aircraft, wherein a secondary flow of warm air is taken from a primary warm air flow that originates in a turbomachine of the aircraft. This secondary warm air flow is introduced into a boiler (6) enclosing an air/water heat exchanger (17) and at least partially filled with water, so as to form in said boiler a flow of water vapor as a function of the secondary warm air flow. At the outlet of the boiler (6) the flow of water vapor and the flow of secondary warm air are in mixed together and injected into the heating/air conditioning circuit for the air in the cabin (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Hartenstein, Michel Eglem
  • Patent number: 6048265
    Abstract: A method for the removal or elimination of unwanted odors in the passenger compartment or air circulation system of an automobile. Which employs an aerosol dispensing unit that releases substantially all of its load of an aerosol composition in a single use. The aerosol composition can comprise a complex blend of essential oils, dispensing aid and solubilizing agent as well as other agents known to those of skill in the art of aerosol dispensing units. A suitable aerosol composition is the X-O odor neutralizer manufacured by the X-O Corporation. The method of the present invention is advantageous over known methods and systems in that it is less expensive than other related methods and provides an immediate and observable benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Clarence L. Apple
  • Patent number: 5882256
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser including a fragrance container for housing a predetermined amount of liquid fragrance. A dispensing mechanism is included for dispensing the fragrance upon the receipt of power. Also provided is a manual actuation switch for allowing the single and immediate transfer of power to the dispensing mechanism upon the depression thereof. Finally, the manual actuation switch is connected to an ignition of the vehicle for being capable of transferring power only when the vehicle is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Maurice C. Shropshire
  • Patent number: 5833929
    Abstract: A new automatic air freshener and deoderizer for releasing a scent into an interior of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a pump disposed within a housing. The housing is positioned within a trunk of a vehicle. The pump has wiring extending outwardly therefrom. The housing has an opening extending within a top wall thereof. The opening is in communication with the pump. The opening receives an air fragrance canister therein. The air fragrance canister has an outlet pipe connected to an inlet tube of the pump. The pump has an outlet tube directed outwardly of the housing. A tube extends outwardly of the outlet tube of the pump. The tube extends into a bifurcated outer portion with open ends. The bifurcated outer portion is positionable beneath seats of the vehicle. Each of the open ends have a dispensing nozzle disposed thereon. A power switch is secured to a dashboard of the vehicle. The power switch is in communication with a battery of the vehicle. The power switch couples with the wiring of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Ernest Watson, Carlton Watson
  • Patent number: 5816574
    Abstract: This invention relates to a game and particularly, though not exclusively to a board game using a foreign language such as bahasa Indonesia, and a national language such as English. In one embodiment of the invention there is a board game comprising a game box (12) and a playing board (13, FIG. 2 ). The game box includes decks of key words/phrase cards (26), instruction/conversation starter cards (28), and conversation starter cards (24). Included is a set of playing markers used to move around the playing board. An advance wheel (32) is provided as a random number generating device for determining the number of spaces a player is to move around the board. The playing board has drawings/photographs together with instructions in the foreign language located in one or more spaces defining a first or second track (42), (44) respectively, positioned around the playing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Dorothy R. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5762549
    Abstract: A deodorizing object is made up of two parts, first, a flat case containing an absorbent material impregnated with a perfumed substance and pierced by holes permitting the diffusion of perfume, and second, a block projecting from the rear face of the case. The block is formed of easily compressible material for the purpose of being inserted between the slats of a ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Scheuer, Marc Felten
  • Patent number: 5704832
    Abstract: An air conditioning vent cover assembly to be disposed over an outlet vent of an air conditioner duct, and including a frame structured for secure, fitted engagement over the outlet vent. The frame itself includes an exterior face having a plurality of openings formed therein so as to permit air flow therethrough from the vent and provide an attractive exterior appearance. Furthermore, rotatably connected to the frame is at least one propeller assembly having a central hub and at least one blade extending from a perimeter of the central hub. The propeller assembly is structured to freely rotate as a result of air flow from the air conditioning duct flowing thereover, such that the air flow is dispersed and more evenly distributed into the room as it passes from the propeller assembly through the exterior face of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Gustavo Borrell
  • Patent number: 5529536
    Abstract: A device for evaporatively cooling the passenger interior of a motor vehicle, utilizing the vehicle ventiliation ducting and blower. An electrical pump provides water from a vehicle-mounted reservoir to a spray nozzle mounted to discharge into ventilating air entering the outside air inlet of the ventilation ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Timothy J. Sizemore, Bryan Redd
  • Patent number: 5524848
    Abstract: In the preferred mode, an apparatus is disclosed to carry out a vehicular humidification process which includes the steps of bubbling pressurized hot air (17)(e.g., trim air) upwardly through a plurality of tubes (34) submerged in a body of water, evaporatively combining the inlet air (17) and water (8) in a venturi (34b) which has its divergent walls at a predetermined angle (8) and its exit above the water level (16), mechanically separating the excess droplets in a baffle (60), in-line filtering (26) the humid air (17b) and discharging the filtered air into a duct leading to a compartment (22) to be conditioned (e.g., the flight deck of an aircraft).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Scott P. Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 5297988
    Abstract: A fragrance supplying apparatus for a vehicle for supplying an interior of an air-conditioning duct of the vehicle with a fragrance or deodrant so that the fragrance or deodrant is carried by a flow of air from a blower of the air-conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle, the fragrance supplying apparatus including a fragrance supplying apparatus having control valves for controlling the supply of the fragrance or deodorant into the air-conditioning duct; a random number producing unit for producing random numbers; and a control unit for controlling the control valves of the fragrance supplying unit based on the random numbers to set varying patterns of supply and cessation of the fragrance or deodorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohide Nishino, Toshiaki Fukuta, Yukiya Sassa, Kunio Okamoto, Hajime Akado
  • Patent number: 5277655
    Abstract: Ventilating apparatus for farm equipment used in the fumigation of crop fields including the provision of a ducted blower unit disposed directly above the head of a fumigation equipment operator so as to cause a continual downward flow of air over the operator's body when the equipment is in use. The apparatus includes a shroud for housing an electrically or hydraulically driven fan which collects air from the space above the tractor and forces it downward in a flow enveloping the operator. In alternative embodiments, various filtration devices may be utilized as well as flow directing deflector assemblies, heat exchangers and misting applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Trical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Storkan, Douglas J. Buessing, Verdiano Donatini
  • Patent number: 5269723
    Abstract: A vehicle air freshener is quickly and easily installable and removable from an outlet grille of the vehicle ventilating system. The air freshener includes a tube filled with a fragrance saturated absorbent material. The tube has a sufficiently small diameter to pass through the typical opening in a vehicle interior ventilation outlet grille, and includes a thin, elongate extension and handle which is wider than the grille opening, to preclude passage of the handle through the grille opening. The air freshener is initially provided with one or more sealed scent passages, which are punctured or otherwise removed to allow the scent or fragrance to escape the interior of the air freshener and mix with the air. After opening the scent passage seal, the air freshener is inserted into the ventilation grille opening and is prevented from falling into the ductwork of the ventilation system by the handle which is caught on the outside of the grille, thereby substantially concealing the air freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Gene R. Bender
  • Patent number: 5165600
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for ventilating the cab of a tractor used for dispensing a plant-protective agent onto a plant site. A wet scrubber upstream of the cab in the ventilation system is continuously fed with fresh water while the continuously scrubbed water is collected and fed to the dispensing system as a result, the air entering the cab can be thoroughly cleaned without requiring expensive monitoring equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Heinz Holter
  • Patent number: 5079934
    Abstract: The cooler apparatus includes evaporative elements which are liquid absorbent plates formed of compressed fibers defining capillary channels and pores, for drawing up water within the plates and evaporating the liquid from the surface of the plates, with a plurality of absorbent plates and contacting adjacent plates, the spacing between adjacent plates being thereby determined by the thickness of the spacer members. Another currently preferred aspect of the invention a mechanism for providing the evaporative liquid to at least an upper portion of the plurality of plates, so that this portion which typically dries out can remain uniformly wetted, to thereby prolong the life and efficiency of the absorbent plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Lev Vinokurov
  • Patent number: 5078046
    Abstract: An air treatment system for a vehicle or other habitable structure. The apparatus includes a supply of treating fluid, a pump and spray nozzle arrangement, and a control system. The spray nozzle discharges the treating liquid in an atomized condition within an air circulation conduit, and the control system insures that there is air flow taking place in the conduit before atomization begins and that air flow is still continuing after cessation of atomization. The sequences is insured by a logic control and the pump is actuated through a timer and relay arrangement. An automatic conditioned responsive mode of operation can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventors: Dennis G. Mascolo, Frank Giuliano, John A. Young