The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 21, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 26, 2003
Mengtao Pete He, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Carl Triplett, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Mary J. Conway, Phoenix, AZ (US);
David Rinaldis, Longmont, CO (US);
Michael Strasser, Layette, CA (US);
Mengtao Pete He, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Carl Triplett, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Mary J. Conway, Phoenix, AZ (US);
David Rinaldis, Longmont, CO (US);
Michael Strasser, Layette, CA (US);
The Dial Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Abstract
An improved variable resistor at least partially compensates for non-linearities in an electrical circuit containing a heating element, for example, a thin-film heating element. A controllable heater includes a heating element, a voltage source (for example, a standard AC electrical outlet) coupled to the heating element, and a variable resistor coupled to the heating element and voltage source. The variable resistor includes a fixed resistive element (for example, one or more thin-film resistors) and a moveable element such as a slider control. The moveable element adjustably contacts the fixed resistive element at a contact point associated with the position such that the variable resistor has a resistance that is at least partially non-linearly related to the position, but wherein the heating element has a dissipated power that is at least partially linearly related to the position of the variable resistor. Such a system may be used in conjunction with a vapor-delivery device to provide more linear control over the intensity of fragrance provided within an environment.