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:
Jan. 23, 2007
Filed:
Nov. 08, 2004
Kelvin Tam, Hong Kong, HK;
Zi Ming Zeng, Shenzhen, CN;
William G. Parsons, Racine, WI (US);
David P. Mather, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Jeffrey L. Harwig, New Berlin, WI (US);
Kelvin Tam, Hong Kong, HK;
Zi Ming Zeng, Shenzhen, CN;
William G. Parsons, Racine, WI (US);
David P. Mather, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Jeffrey L. Harwig, New Berlin, WI (US);
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Racine, WI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus including a replacement refill assembly for dispersing a volatile active into air. The replacement refill assembly includes a reservoir for containing a composition having a volatile active and a wick having an emanating surface from which the active may be volatized. A retainer is included in the apparatus for receiving and retaining the replacement refill assembly. A wire heating element is resiliently supported by opposing spring members so that when the refill assembly is received within the retainer, the spring members bias the heating element against the emanating surface of the wick while yielding an amount sufficient to prevent the heating element from breaking. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes an air regulator, such as a baffle, for minimizing the flow of air across the heater element. A method and apparatus for controlling the source of power in the apparatus to periodically heat and clean the heating element is further described.