S. C. Johnson Son, Inc.

David A Tomkins

Edward J Martens, Iii

Thomas A Helf

Scott D Walter

David J Schram

Jose Porchia

Thomas Jaworski

George A Clark

Eric R Navin

James R Crapser

Mark E Wefler

John A Boticki

Paul E Larson

Ion I Inculet

Jeffrey J Wolf

James L Bournoville

Heather R Schramm

Frederick H Martin

Barry T Calpino

William S Tait

Maryann Jashinske

Stephen M Doerr

Donald J Duda

Kelley H Rich

Paul J Larson

Edward J Iii Martens

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

Coordinated emission of fragrance, light, and sound

A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device () having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs () storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies () for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (). Preferably, a microcontroller () controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.

Dispensing of multiple volatile substances

A replacement reservoir assembly () for an atomizing device (), which uses a vibratable orifice plate () for atomizing liquid, includes a container (), which contains a liquid to be atomized, and an elongated wick () having a lower end which is immersed in the liquid within the container () and an upper end located above the container (). The wick () includes a dimensionally stable material having capillary passages for drawing liquid out of the container () to the upper end of the wick (), which is outside the container (). The upper end of the wick () has at least one surface that is configured to provide an unobstructed passage to the atmosphere from a region between a top surface of the wick () and a facing surface of the vibratable orifice plate () when the replacement reservoir is positioned in the atomizing device (). A wick () for use in a replaceable reservoir assembly () that contains liquid to be atomized by a vibratory orifice plate () and a method of positioning an upper end of a solid, dimensionally stable wick () are also disclosed.

Atomizer wicking system

A battery operated atomizer device comprising, in a housing (), a liquid reservoir () from which a capillary type liquid delivery system () extends to contact a piezoelectric actuator an atomization plate assembly (), the assembly () being supported by means of wire-like elements () in cantilever fashion over the liquid delivery system, the liquid delivery system comprising an outer tubular member () and a solid rod () which have facing surfaces configured to define between them, longitudinal capillary liquid passages.

Low leakage liquid atomization device

A vibratory plate liquid atomization device ( ) having a tilted orifice plate ( ) which is vibrated by a piezoelectric actuator ( ); and a novel replaceable liquid reservoir ( ) having a vertically extending, dimensionally stable, liquid delivery system ( ) with a non-horizontal upper surface ( ).

Atomizer with tilted orifice plate and replacement reservoir for same

A liquid atomizer is constructed with a hollow shell-like top cover and a unitary molded main support which snaps into place inside the top cover and divides it into upper and lower regions. The main support includes formations for mounting, on its upper side, a printed circuit board assembly including an electrical oscillator, as well as a piezoelectric actuator and orifice plate pump assembly. The main support also includes formations for removably mounting, on its lower side, a battery and a liquid reservoir. An openable bottom cover closes the bottom of the device and allows access to the battery and to the liquid reservoir for replacement of these elements.

Self contained liquid atomizer assembly

Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by means of a battery operated atomizer utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a ceramic piezoelectric element. By use of solder joining to bond the orifice plate to the piezoelectric element, and subsequent repolarization of the piezoelectric element if necessary, superior results are achieved.

Attachment method for piezoelectric elements

Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by a battery operated dispenser utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a piezoelectric element. By control of the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid to be dispersed, an improved method of dispensing such liquid is achieved.

Delivery system for dispensing volatiles

Liquid to be atomized is supplied from a wick to the underside of a vibrating orifice plate which pumps the liquid up through atomizing orifices in the plate and ejects the liquid from is upper side; and liquid which is pumped up through the orifices in an elevated region of the plate, but which has not been ejected, is directed back down through larger openings in a lower region of the plate. The liquid also flows back onto the wick which places the liquid in capillary communication along the underside of the plate with the atomizing orifices for reputing and ejection.

Method and apparatus for maintaining control of liquid flow in a vibratory atomizing device

Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by means of a battery operated continuous action dispenser utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a piezoelectric element. By use of a wick having specified properties and high compliance, superior results are achieved.

An actuator for electrically charging an aerosol spray has an inductor located adjacent to the spray nozzle to induce a charge on the atomized fluid. Charge to the inductor is provided by a piezoelectric crystal which is stressed by movement of an operating member to open the spray valve. Inductor charging utilizes negligible electrical power so that additional power sources are not required. The crystal may be stressed continuously such as by squeezing, or intermittently, such as by striking. When an intermittent stressing is utilized, the electrical circuit includes a switch between the crystal and inductor which is opened as the valve is opened to isolate electrically the inductor during spraying.

Actuators for electrostatically charged aerosol spray systems

A corrosion resistant insecticidal composition for use in aerosol containers includes an organophosphorous pesticide, an emulsifier, an aerosol propellant, an aqueous carrier and as a corrosion inhibiting system, an organic corrosion inhibitor and an inorganic corrosion inhibitor.

Growing community of inventors

Racine, WI, United States of America

David A Tomkins