Method and system for ambient air scenting and disinfecting based on flexible, autonomous liquid atomizer cartridges and an intelligent networking thereof Number:7,073,731 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

Title: Method and system for ambient air scenting and disinfecting based on flexible, autonomous liquid atomizer cartridges and an intelligent networking thereof

Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.

Patent Number: 7,073,731 Issued on 07/11/2006 to Hess,   et al.

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Inventors:	Hess; Joseph (Bevaix, CH); Muller; Myriam (Dudeldange, LU)
Assignee:	Microflow Engineering SA (Neuchatel, CH)
Appl. No.:	927277
Filed:	August 27, 2004

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Related U.S. Patent Documents

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	Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
	10087924	Mar., 2002	6802460

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Current U.S. Class:	239/306 ; 239/102.1; 239/102.2; 239/303; 239/328; 239/338; 239/4; 239/69
Current International Class:	A01G 27/00 (20060101)
Field of Search:	239/306,303,304,310,398,423,102.2,102.1,4,328 222/145.6,145.1,145.5,105,94,136 128/200.19,200.18,200.22

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References Cited [Referenced By]

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U.S. Patent Documents

	3044276		July 1962		Kauten
	3677441		July 1972		Nixon, Jr. et al.
	3709437		January 1973		Wright
	3960324		June 1976		Titus et al.
	4467961		August 1984		Coffee et al.
	4530464		July 1985		Yamamoto et al.
	4605167		August 1986		Maehara
	4667877		May 1987		Yao et al.
	4826048		May 1989		Skorka et al.
	5038972		August 1991		Muderlak et al.
	5046648		September 1991		Herbstzuber
	5147582		September 1992		Holzner, Sr. et al.
	5178327		January 1993		Palamand et al.
	5186869		February 1993		Stumpf et al.
	5223182		June 1993		Steiner et al.
	5342584		August 1994		Fritz et al.
	5431859		July 1995		Tobin
	5518179		May 1996		Humberstone et al.
	5529055		June 1996		Gueret
	5549247		August 1996		Rossman et al.
	5591409		January 1997		Watkins
	5601235		February 1997		Booker et al.
	5760873		June 1998		Wittek
	5832320		November 1998		Wittek
	5938117		August 1999		Ivri
	6062430		May 2000		Fuchs
	6110888		August 2000		Lupo, Jr. et al.
	6196219		March 2001		Hess et al.
	6267297		July 2001		Contadini et al.
	6293474		September 2001		Helf et al.
	6305578		October 2001		Hildebrandt et al.
	6357671		March 2002		Cewers
	6405934		June 2002		Hess et al.
	6554203		April 2003		Hess et al.
	6722582		April 2004		Hess et al.

Foreign Patent Documents

	0 714 709		Jun., 1996		EP
	0 831 384		Mar., 1998		EP
	0 923 957		Jun., 1999		EP
	1 184 083		Mar., 2002		EP
	1 287 905		Mar., 2003		EP
	2 776 947		Apr., 1998		FR
	WO 00/38512		Jul., 2000		WO
	WO 00/47335		Aug., 2000		WO
	WO 02/09772		Feb., 2002		WO
	WO 02/09773		Feb., 2002		WO
	WO 02/09776		Feb., 2002		WO
	WO 02/09779		Feb., 2002		WO
	WO 02/068128		Sep., 2002		WO

Other References

The Delphion Integrated View (English Abstract) for EP 0714709 A1, www.delphion.com (last visited May 19, 2005). cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Brinson; Patrick
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Griffin & Szipl, P.C.

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Parent Case Text

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This application claims priority from, and is a divisional of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/087,924, filed Mar. 5, 2002, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,460 B2, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Claims

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What is claimed is:

1. A method for refreshing air comprising the steps of: providing at least one autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge having multiple airless bags, wherein each bag contains a nebulizable fluid and each bag is connected to an interface, and the interface is connected to a nebulizer, so that there is a path of egress from each bag to the nebulizer through which nebulizable fluid flows to the nebulizer; flowing the nebulizable fluid from each bag to the nebulizer; mixing the nebulizable fluid from each bag in a space to provide a mixed fluid; and nebulizing the mixed fluid to provide a combined mist.

2. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 1, wherein the flow of nebulizable fluid is activated by a signal from a wireless control unit.

3. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 1, wherein nebulizing of the mixed fluid is controlled to maintain a perceived air quality of the ambient air.

4. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 1, wherein each bag is connected via a capillary tube to a respective inlet on the interface, and wherein the nebulizable fluid from each bag is mixed in the space to provide the mixed fluid before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer.

5. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 4, wherein the nebulizable fluid flowing from each bag to the nebulizer is pulled along by capillary action.

6. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 4, wherein the nebulizable fluid flowing from each bag to the nebulizer is pulled along by capillary action and by the use of a micropump.

7. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 5, wherein the nebulizer includes a nozzle membrane and an electronically-controlled piezo-atomizer, wherein when the nebulizer is in operation, capillary pressure is generated in each inlet drawing nebulizable fluid from each bag to the space and the nebulized mixed fluid is sprayed through the nozzle membrane to provide the combined mist.

8. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 7, wherein the multiple airless bags comprise a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid and a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, wherein the first nebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance, the second nebulizable liquid is an accord fragrance and the combined mist provides a combination of relative fragrance intensities.

9. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 8, wherein a droplet size dispersion of the nebulized mixed fluid sprayed through the nozzle membrane ranges from 1 to 7 microns.

10. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 7, wherein the multiple airless bags comprise a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid and a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, wherein the first nebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance having disinfecting properties, the second nebulizable liquid is an accord fragrance and the combined mist provides a combination of relative fragrance intensities.

11. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 10, wherein a droplet size dispersion of the nebulized mixed fluid sprayed through the nozzle membrane ranges from 5 to 30 microns.

12. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 6, wherein the multiple airless bags comprise a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid and a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, wherein the first nebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance having bacteriostatic properties, the second nebulizable liquid is an accord fragrance and the combined mist provides a combination of relative fragrance intensities.

13. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 7, wherein the multiple airless bags comprise a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid and a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, wherein the first nebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance having fungistatic properties, the second nebulizable liquid is an accord fragrance and the combined mist provides a combination of relative fragrance intensities.

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Description

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for refreshing and disinfecting air streams. More particularly, the invention relates to refreshing and disinfecting air streams flowing into or through an environment or room by dispersing a fragrant disinfectant. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for refreshing and disinfecting air streams wherein a fragrance, a disinfectant, or other functional liquid is nebulized into an air stream, and the rate of nebulization of the liquid is controlled and determined by personal preferences of a user.

Moreover, in the present context, the term "freshening" means either scenting, disinfecting, or scenting and disinfecting, such as for an air stream or a body of air.

Note that for the purpose of this disclosure the terms "nebulized" and "atomized" will be considered equivalent and interchangeable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scenting and disinfecting of ambient air in human living spaces has been an endeavor since ancient times. Several natural fragrance molecules have both scenting as well as disinfecting properties. In modern times, man has invented many ways of introducing the comfort of improved ambient air in personal, housing and working environments. In recent decades, home and working environments have evolved into tighter closed air systems, which largely re-circulate stale air including airborne particles and microorganisms trapped within these closed environments. Consequently, these closed air environments serve as pockets of particle accumulation (e.g., dust and pollen) and provide a potential growth medium for pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Humans presently spend about 90% of their time inside enclosed spaces (i.e., rooms) in homes, hotels, offices, cars, airplanes, restaurants, etc. Much attention has been paid to determining the effects of indoor air quality on the health, comfort, and productivity of the inhabitants. Concepts such as "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS) and "Perceived Air Quality" have been developed and have become issues of concern to the scientific, technical and financial communities. It is noted that the general notion of "Indoor Air Quality" (IAQ) includes the concepts of (a) ambient air scenting, (b) combating odors and (c) disinfecting. The present invention endeavors to provide an air refreshing solution addressing these issues.

To address the problems inherent to recirculating particle laden and microbe bearing air, the air-conditioning system was recognized early as a means of introducing deodorants, insecticides, moisturizers, bactericides, etc., into an air conditioning stream and thus treating ambient air. One such air-conditioning system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,044,276 to Kauten.

More recent developments relate to dispersing volatiles (i.e., deodorants, insecticides, moisturizers, bactericides, etc.) into the air by the use of a so-called ion wind or ion drag which causes the molecules of the volatiles to be charged and to attach to other particles or bodies in the air such as dust, microorganisms or insects, but also to carpets, furniture, people and pets. (see WO 00/38512)

The combination of antimicrobial and scenting or flavoring capability in industrial compounds has also been previously disclosed as, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,888 to Lupo et al.

Most recently, environmental concerns have attracted attention to the quality of ambient air in general, and HVAC systems in particular. Microorganisms, such as mold spores and bacteria, develop well within an environment which is prone to condensation by providing moisture and warmth, and which offers a lot of "dead volume" or space to settle in. However, a significant number of these microorganisms become airborne during the inherent carrier function of HVAC systems. Consequently, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a significant amount of human respiratory problems are related to indoor air pollution (EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994 and many others).

The term "air quality" can be more broadly interpreted, however. In addition to considering the numbers of particles and microbes in the air, "air quality" also relates in scope to encompass a more hedonistic component of air quality such as air scenting for providing relaxing, stimulating, romantic, etc., characteristics or simply for combating bad odors. Consequently many developments relate to this field of endeavor, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,297 B1 to Contadini et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,327 to Palamand et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,247 to Rossman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,859 to Tobin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 342,584 to Fritz et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,182 to Steiner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,869 to Stumpf et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,582 to Holzner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,972 to Muderlak et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,441 to Nixon et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,409 to Watkins.

Most of these disclosed systems rely on some method of controlled scent release by actuation of aerosol cans, by venting air over gel-containing cartridges, or by evaporating scented liquids. More recently disclosed documents teach the use of modern dispensing methods for various liquid substances, which avoid the use of propellant gases. Indeed, some aerosol propellants may negatively affect air quality because their "Volatile Organic Component" (VOC) content and impact may raise related health questions in a manner similar to problems raised with chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), which were previously used as propellants. Methods and apparatuses that avoid the use of propellant gases include U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,005 to Gueret, U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,474 B1 to Helf et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,117 to Ivri; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,219 B1 to Hess et al., and more recently EP 01 121 075.4, to Hess et al. These various patents disclose the use of piezo-electric actuation in various configurations to effectively expel liquids without the use of propellants. The advantage of these piezo-electric systems is the excellent rendering and dispersion of scents by expelling small volumes of unaltered liquid substance into the ambient air followed by the efficacious diffusion of the scents due to the production of a large number of extremely small liquid droplets, which dramatically reduces the amount of both fragrance and solvent needed to provide a given scenting result, when compared to the other methods mentioned above. The main problem remaining with most of the devices above, however, is that reliable priming is not achieved and that these devices do not have the ability to function properly in every position within the realm of three-dimensional movement. In addition, the prior art piezoelectric scenting devices do not reliably operate over a wide range of viscosities and surface tensions of the liquid to be expelled by the piezoelectric element. Furthermore, the prior art devices have not been able to mix nebulizable liquids from multiple separate source reservoirs.

Consequently, many desirable liquids used in the piezoelectric prior art devices require the addition of a solvent or solvents in order to be sprayed by these devices. The result of using a solvent is that, at least to some degree, there remain health and air quality issues when a solvent is used. For example, Martens et al. teach, in document WO 00/47335, that the viscosity and surface tension of a liquid to be dispensed can be controlled by adding certain solvents, thereby providing a method of improving the dispensing action of piezo-actuated systems. Although it may be difficult to avoid such solvents completely in order to adequately disperse certain liquids, it is a reasonable objective to minimize the use of solvents.

Further sophisticated techniques and devices directed to ambient air scenting and disinfecting are disclosed in other documents which teach the use of modem electronics in circuits essentially used in the methods of timing, sequencing and dosing of a dispensed medium into various ambient living environments such as home care environments, home entertainment environments, scenting in cars, shopping, lodging, and public entertainment environments. In some cases, scent sensors are used in the electronic control circuitry of the scenting and air freshening devices in order to control the release of the scents and their intensity in the respective environment as disclosed in French document FR 98 04156 to Moy et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,409 to Watkins; European document EP 0 831 384 A1 to Muyarama et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,320 and 5,760,873, both to Wittek; and European document EP 00 118 715.2 and corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/942,118, both to Hess et al. Specifically, EP 00 118 715.2 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/942,118 are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

Another problem with some of the disclosed prior devices and systems is that they are subject to condensation effects due to extensive ducting, which inevitably occurs as a result of ambient temperature differences, condensation in ducts, pollution or contamination caused by growth of micro-organisms, etc. Another problem with some of the prior devices is that they are cumbersome to program and difficult to install or to network in a modem living, lodging or entertainment environment. Some prior devices have the drawback that they rely on artifacts, such as autonomous heating or ventilation processes, in the immediate vicinity of the dispensing unit. Some prior devices do not offer enough structural flexibility in order to satisfy the need for both a desired functionality and attractive design. Another major drawback with the prior devices is that all are very much orientation or position dependent. Yet another common drawback to the prior devices is that the control functions are more or less reduced to timing and sequencing of the scenting activity, which leaves the user little or no possibility to treat different scents in a different way according to his or her environment and his or her own sensitivity. In other words, the prior devices generally do not permit preferential selection of a particular scent in response to environmental parameters and/or the personal preference of the user at a particular time.

Another drawback with most of the prior devices is that they do not meet the needs created by today's rapidly changing environmental entertainment technologies. For instance, the home environment as well as the working, lodging and entertainment environments are rapidly changing to provide new entertainment and work tools that are readily available to a growing "on-line" population of information technology users in the home and outside of the home through the use of narrow- and broadband wireless systems, web-appliances, portable communication systems, PDA's, PC's, etc., that include separate and new smart wireless devices, "net-meeting" products, home "video-meeting" products, and products that permit downloading all sorts of entertainment pieces, etc. To a limited extent, the new demand for air scenting and refreshing in these entertainment and work environments has been partially addressed by devices disclosed in EP 0 714 709 A1 to Millet et al; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,320 and 5,760,873 to Wittek, and by the devices disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/942,118 and European document EP 01 1118 715.2, both to Hess et al., but none of these devices introduces a user friendly, industrially applicable, practical and rapidly deployable solution to all of the aforementioned drawbacks and none allows the user to participate in an interactive manner with a network.

One attempt to provide ambient scenting to augment a "theme" of an entertainment environment is disclosed in WO 00209776, WO 00209773, WO 00209772, which relates scenting activity to a thematic sensory experience, such as experienced during music, graphic arts, theater and the like, by using a CD-like scent cartridge selection technology. However, the scenting technology used has been known for a long time and the disc-like arrangement is relatively rigid, and re-usable only at the disc level; thus giving the user little flexibility, albeit a lot of choices, as far as themes are concerned. It is unlikely that any individual user will like all of the 7 fragrances contained in the above rigidly arranged disk to the same degree so that all 7 fragrances will be used up in a similar manner and time frame. Most likely, only one or a few scents will be preferred, so that the corresponding scent-containing cartridges will be used up quickly, whereas one or a few other fragrances might not be liked at all. As can be easily appreciated, the preferential use of one or several fragrances will lead to the wasteful situation where the whole disk will be disposed of because the preferred fragrances have been exhausted and the remaining excess of the non-preferred fragrances with their solvent contents are left unused.

Consequently, there exists a need for a scenting and refreshing apparatus and method that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior devices and which satisfies the public need for wholesome air quality that is both safe and pleasing to the nose, and that provides a sense of personal comfort while addressing individual personal preferences. Specifically, there is a need for a scenting and refreshing apparatus and method that hedonistically augments air quality and which can be applied to the recent emergence of entertainment and work environments associated with web appliances, portable electronic devices, downloading of entertainment and work applications, and smart home environments.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior devices, which include excessive bulkiness, lack of flexibility, lack of modular and integrated packaging of cartridge and dispenser, lack of scenting and refreshing efficacy, lack of priming reliability, lack of an easy networking capability for programmable scenting or disinfecting capabilities, and lack of ease of use when dealing efficiently with habituation and the need to replace or exchange scents.

It a further object of the present invention to minimize the use of solvents as much as possible.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a scenting and refreshing apparatus and method which allows freedom to apply the apparatus and method to a variety of air quality, safety, personal environment and entertainment oriented applications.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an air scenting and refreshing apparatus and method that involves the user in an interactive role as part of these air quality, safety, personal environment and entertainment-oriented applications.

It is yet another object of the air scenting and refreshing apparatus and method of the present invention to permit the user to create a network with a web appliance, portable electronic device, downloaded entertainment or work application, or a smart home environment that can be manipulated by the user to satisfy particular environmental and other preferences of the user.

It is yet another object of the air scenting and refreshing apparatus and method of the present invention to provide for maximum scent choice flexibility, on the one hand, while minimizing waste and use of harmful ingredients (e.g., solvents), on the other hand.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an air scenting and refreshing apparatus that mixes two liquids together at the time of nebulization or just prior to the moment that the mixed liquids will be nebulized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention provides, in a first preferred embodiment, an apparatus for freshening air, including: a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; and a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided connected to each bag by a respective inlet of an interface, so that, when the nebulizer operates, and first and second nebulizable liquids are contained in the first and second bags, respectively, the first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag, so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are mixed in a space before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer. The nebulizer is electrically connected to the power supply and controlled by the driving and switching circuit when the second plug portion is matingly engaged to the first plug portion.

In accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first preferred embodiment is made to further comprise an interface that includes a first inlet that provides a path of egress for the first liquid and a second inlet that provides a path of egress for the second liquid, so that, when the nebulizer operates, and first and second nebulizable liquids are contained in the first and second bags, respectively, the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid flow from the first bag and the second bag, respectively, through the interface and into the nebulizer.

In accordance with third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus of the first embodiment is made so that the nebulizer includes a nozzle membrane that has at least one nozzle sized to disperse droplets that are about 1 7 microns in diameter in the third embodiment and the nozzle membrane is made to have at least one nozzle sized to disperse droplets that are about 5 30 microns in diameter in the fourth preferred embodiment.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, to the elements of the second preferred embodiment is included a switch that is disposed in the driving and switching circuit, and electrically connected to the power supply, wherein the switch activates the nebulizer and the flow of the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid from the first airless bag and the second airless bag respectively through the interface and into the nebulizer.

In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch of the apparatus of the fifth preferred embodiment is made to be operable by a remote unit. In a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote unit of the sixth preferred embodiment is made to be a wireless control unit, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, or a web-appliance.

In an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote unit of the sixth preferred embodiment is made to include a turbulence sensor for sensing the flow of ambient air and a logarithmic gas sensor for detecting the combined concentration of the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid in the ambient air.

In a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first preferred embodiment is made so that the first bag contains a first nebulizable liquid that is different from a second nebulizable liquid contained in the second bag.

In a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ninth preferred embodiment is made so that the first nebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance and the second nebulizable liquid is a disinfectant.

In an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ninth preferred embodiment is made so that the first nebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance and the second nebulizable liquid is an accord fragrance for aesthetically enhancing the primary fragrance.

In a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second preferred embodiment is made so that the cartridge further comprises a third airless bag for storing a third nebulizable liquid and the interface further includes a third inlet corresponding to the third airless bag, wherein the third inlet provides a path of egress for the third liquid in the third bag so that when the nebulizer operates, the first, second and third nebulizable liquids flow through the interface and are mixed in the space before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer. In a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention, to the cartridge of the twelfth embodiment is added a fourth airless bag for storing a fourth nebulizable liquid and the interface further includes a fourth inlet, wherein the fourth inlet provides a path of egress for the fourth liquid in the fourth bag so that when the nebulizer operates the first, second, third and fourth nebulizable liquids flow through the interface and are mixed in the space before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer.

In a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, a system for refreshing air is provided that comprises at least two air refreshing apparatuses and a power supply. Each individual apparatus includes a base unit, wherein the power supply is operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; and a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge includes (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided connected to each bag by a respective inlet of an interface, so that, when the nebulizer operates, and first and second liquids are contained in the first and second bags, respectively, the first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are mixed in a space before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer. The nebulizer is electrically connected to the power supply and controlled by the driving and switching circuit when the electronic connector engages the cartridge.

In a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, the system of the fourteenth embodiment is integrated into an HVAC duct.

The sixteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method for refreshing air comprising the steps of (a) providing at least one autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge having multiple airless bags, wherein each bag contains a nebulizable fluid and each bag is connected to an interface, and the interface is connected to a nebulizer, so that there is a path of egress from each bag to the nebulizer through which nebulizable fluid flows to the nebulizer; (b) flowing the nebulizable fluid from each bag to the nebulizer; (c) mixing the nebulizable fluid from each bag in a space to provide a mixed fluid; and (d) nebulizing the mixed fluid to provide a combined mist.

A seventeenth preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes the steps in accordance with the sixteenth preferred embodiment and further requires that the flow of nebulizable fluid is activated by a signal from a wireless control unit.

An eighteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes the steps in accordance with the sixteenth preferred embodiment and further requires that nebulizing of the mixed fluid is controlled to maintain a perceived air quality of the ambient air.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments, which follows, when considered together with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a detailed schematic view of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of one preferred construction of the liquid pathway in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of a portion of another preferred construction of the liquid pathway in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1d shows a plan view of the dual interface in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein inlets are covered by filters.

FIG. 2a shows a cross sectional view of a first interface structure between a piezo-atomizer and a dual airless bag cartridge.

FIG. 2b shows a cross sectional view of a second interface structure between the piezo-atomizer and the dual airless bag cartridge.

FIG. 2c shows a cross sectional view of third interface structure between the piezo-atomizer and the dual airless bag cartridge.

FIG. 3a shows one configuration for a portion of a nozzle membrane usable in the present invention.

FIG. 3b shows another configuration for a portion of the nozzle membrane usable in the present invention.

FIG. 4a shows the networked system for refreshing air as another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4b shows a particular wireless control unit for use in the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an apparatus for refreshing air in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the cartridge has four airless bags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for refreshing ambient air and/or air streams in an environment. Typically, the environment is a room or a finite space, or an air stream such as would be present in an HVAC duct, although the present invention is not limited to any one specific environment and can be practiced in relatively open areas. To facilitate an easy understanding of the present invention, the apparatus embodiments in accordance with the present invention will be described first with respect to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like parts.

FIG. 1a schematically illustrates apparatus 1 for refreshing air, a free standing non-limiting preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this context, the term "air" may mean either a body of ambient air or an ambient air stream. Apparatus 1 generally includes a base unit 10 which is a housing, a power supply 14 connected to the base unit, and a driving and switching circuit 15 electrically connected to and powered by power supply 14, such as is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/942,118 and corresponding document EP 00 118 715.2, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Although power supply 14 is shown in FIG. 1a as an internal power supply, the invention is not limited to such and one skilled in the art would appreciate that the power supply could be a plug for connecting to an external power supply or a solar powered cell for example.

Driving and switching circuit 15 includes driver 15a for driving a nebulizer 20 that is connected to a dual autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge 22 via a dual interface 24, and a switch circuit 15b that has a receiving/transmitting portion 15c for receiving an activating electronic signal and transmitting a handshake feedback electronic signal, either wireless or via hard wire, wherein the activating electronic signal is used to activate the switch to start the driver 15a. The electrical circuit shown can preferably be connected to a sensor 16 for detecting, when the nebulizer 20 has run out of fluid to nebulize. Sensor 16 may be a simple fuse that overheats and burns out when nebulizer 20 runs out of liquid to nebulize. Sensor 16 is preferably constructed to be part of cartridge 22. When sensor 16 is activated, the driving and switching circuit 15 generates a handshake feedback signal, or in the alternative fails to generate a handshake feedback signal, that is transmitted via portion 15c to a controlling apparatus, as will be described later.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge 22 is formed integrally by attaching to the airless bags 40 to the interface 224 and nebulizer 20 to form a single integrated replaceable unit. Thus, when cartridge 22 is exhausted, it can be removed from the base unit 10 and replaced with a fresh cartridge. Cartridge 22 includes outer casing 30 that may have portions 30a and 30b for containing one or multiple airless bags 40 and nebulizer 20, respectively. Casing 30 has several access ports 34, and each port has one end 38a of a corresponding autonomous airless bag 38 disposed therein. In this context, the word "autonomous" is meant to convey that the airless bag cartridge is constructed so that the flow of a liquid stored in the bag is air-bubble proof (i.e., not significantly affected by air bubbles in the system) and independent of the position of the cartridge 22. The structure that achieves the autonomous result will be described later.

Casing 30 has disposed on its surface a plug portion 17a for matingly engaging, or plugging into, a corresponding plug portion 17b connected to driving and switching circuit 15. In this manner, it is possible to plug a cartridge 22 into the base unit 10, then unplug the cartridge and replace it with a new one when needed. Casing 30 also includes an opening 22c, so that a nebulized mist generated by the nebulizer 20 can escape the casing.

In each bag 38 there is a fluid 40 stored therein. Each bag 38 may contain the same identical nebulizable liquid; however, preferably, each bag contains a different nebulizable liquid. For example, one bag may contain a primary fragrance and another bag may contain a disinfectant or an insecticide. Another possibility is that one bag may contain a primary fragrance and the other bag may contain a secondary or "accord" fragrance for aesthetically augmenting the primary fragrance. The advantage of having different nebulizable liquids in each bag is that these different liquids can be mixed in a small internal space just prior to nebulization as will be discussed below. Thus, it becomes possible to nebulize liquids that could not be previously used due to storage incompatibility. In other words, some liquids can not be premixed and stored in a single airless bag because either the liquids will form a precipitate or one of the liquids may interfere or degrade the performance of another liquid when stored together.

In a preferred mode of practicing the invention, the fragrances chosen revolve around a central theme or olfactory chord consisting of a primary fragrance around which one or more supporting secondary or accord fragrances are added. For example, several exemplary fragrance themes include a "floral" theme, an "oriental" theme, and a "chypre" theme, although those skilled in the fragrance arts would appreciate that these examples are not limiting to the invention and that there are numerous other fragrance themes that can be used to practice the present invention. Thus, the central declination or primary fragrance would be contained in one of the airless bags. In another airless bag, the varietal declination or accord fragrance would be contained. For example, secondary accord fragrances such as "floral fruity" or "floral green" might be used to augment a primary floral fragrance. Likewise, accord fragrances such as "oriental spicy" and "chypre fruity" respectively could be used to augment corresponding primary oriental and primary chypre fragrances. In this manner, two airless bags can be used to provide a combination of relative fragrance intensities that can be formulated by the perfumer with unprecedented flexibility when mixing fragrances. Consequently, the dual airless bag cartridges in accordance with the present invention allow the user the ability to modulate and experiment with primary and secondary fragrance intensities according to the consumer's particular appreciation and taste. How this is specifically achieved is described later.

Although FIG. 1a illustrates a dual airless bag cartridge having two airless bags 38, the cartridge in accordance with the present invention can be practiced wherein the cartridge contains 2, 3, 4 or more airless bags. Preferably, each airless bag has an elongated shape, more cylindrical than spherical, because such an elongated shape has been found to (a) be less sensitive to ambient air pressure, (b) be more compact, (c) provide for a more rigid and durable bag, and (d) is easier to empty fully. The embodiment of the invention which has two bags includes the case where the cartridge has a single bag constructed to have two or more separate and distinct compartments. In other words, a plurality of bags can include a single bag with a plurality of compartments. Each compartment would then have its own corresponding end that is disposed in a respective access port of the casing. The remaining structure of the invention would be the same as is described below. By having one bag with multiple separate compartments, it is still possible to have mixing occur because nebulizable fluid from each compartment can travel through a separate path of egress and then mix in a small internal space prior to nebulization as is discussed below.

FIG. 5 illustrates an autonomous airless bag cartridge 122 that has outer casing 130 that has four access ports 34 and plug portion 17a, wherein each port receives one end of an airless bag 38 that is filled with a nebulizable liquid. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that all of the bags 38 could be filled with the same liquid, or each bag could be filled with a different nebulizable liquid than each one of the other bags, or some bags could have the same liquid as some other bags, or the liquid could be different from some of the other liquids contained in one of the other bags. Although not specifically shown, one skilled in the art could make and use the airless bag cartridge to have any number of airless bags or a single bag having any number of compartments. As would be evident from the embodiment of FIG. 5, the cartridge 122 would have a corresponding interface with four inlets used to connect the four airless bags 38 of cartridge 122 to the nebulizer 20.

Having described the dual autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge (i.e., detachable cartridge) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is useful to describe the interface between the cartridge and the nebulizer. Specifically, FIGS. 1a and 2b illustrate the basic features of the interface 224. Inlets 250 are formed in the body of interface 224 so that each inlet provides a channel corresponding to one of the access ports 34. Preferably, each inlet 250 is beveled so that the circumference of the cross section of the inlet increases along the path of liquid flow. In this manner, a path of liquid egress is created from the interior of each airless bag 38, through a capillary tube or other short conduit 80 (see FIG. 1a), then through the corresponding inlet 250. Typically, the nebulizable liquid is pulled along the path of egress by capillary action, although one skilled in the art would appreciate that a micropump could be used. Once the nebulizable liquid 40 passes through inlet 250, the fluid enters a small internal space 254 for holding the liquid. Space 254 borders the actuator membrane 260 of the nebulizer 20. Nebulizer 20 includes nozzle membrane 62 and an electronically controlled piezo-atomizer 264. The actuator membrane 260 includes peripheral openings 260a and forms part of inlets 250 so that liquid can flow into space 254 from the airless bags 40. Typically, when the nebulizer 20 is in operation, a capillary pressure in the inlets 250 will be generated that will tend to draw liquid from each airless bag in the cartridge 22. In this manner, the liquids contained in the various cartridges 22 will mix in space 254. When the bags 40 contain different liquids such as two different fragrances, or a fragrance in one bag and a functional liquid in another, a unique mixing process occurs as the liquids are nebulized into a mixed or combined nebulized mist.

As shown in FIG. 3a, the nozzle membrane 62 has a floor portion 62a that includes nozzles 62b, wherein each nozzle is provided by an opening of diameter "x" in the floor portion so that liquid flowing onto the nozzle membrane can be sprayed via nebulization through the nozzles 62b when the nebulizer 20 is in operation. As would be known to one skilled in the art, the nozzles 62b can be sized and configured so that the droplet size dispersion of a nebulized (i.e., atomized) liquid can range from 1 to 7 microns. This droplet size dispersion range is best suited for atomizing ambient scenting or odor-combating liquids.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3b, the nozzles 162b of floor portion 162a of nozzle membrane 162 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, can be formed by openings of diameter "y" that are larger (i.e., y>x) than the openings forming the nozzles 62b of nozzle membrane 62. When the larger openings are used to form nozzles 162b, the nozzles 162b can be sized and configured so that the droplet size dispersion of a nebulized liquid can range from 5 to 30 microns. This droplet size dispersion range is best suited for atomizing disinfectant liquids for local surface disinfecting purposes. This is because a spray plume formed by a nebulized liquid that has a larger droplet size distribution provides a more powerful, albeit more directed, dispersing action such as may be necessary for spraying areas within HVAC ducts and the like with a disinfecting, bacteriostatic, fungistatic, or insecticidal substance. On the other hand, a spray plume that has a smaller droplet size distribution provides faster evaporation and diffusion into the ambient air of fragrance molecules and the like because the spray is finer and has a larger combined surface area that encourages more individual droplets to come in contact with and exchange energy with the ambient air molecules.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that other liquids such as insecticides, etc., can be dispersed by a nebulizer using either one of the nozzle membranes 62 or 162 depending upon which droplet size dispersion range is best suited for the particular spraying application (i.e., whether it is preferable to use directed local surface or volume spraying or rapid dispersion into a relatively large volume of ambient air).

Another advantage of the nozzle membranes used in accordance with the present invention is that the ratio of the total surface of the nebulizer nozzles in contact with the ambient air to the internal surface of the nebulizer (i.e. the surface of the small internal space) is incredibly small so that evaporation through the nebulizer nozzles is negligible and eliminates the need for sealing mechanisms between uses. For example, for a surface A2 corresponding to 144 nozzles with a diameter of 3 microns and an internal nebulizer containing liquid surface A1 of 56.25 mm2, the ratio A2/A1 is 1.8096E-5. For the same number of nozzles, but with a diameter of 12 microns, the ratio is 0.00028953.

FIG. 2a illustrates a first interface structure suitable for use in the present invention. Specifically, interface 24 has inlets 50 formed in the body of the interface that are attached to a conduit 80 and to a corresponding one of the access ports 34. Each inlet 50 is beveled so that the circumference of the cross section of the inlet increases along the path of liquid flow. In this manner, a path of liquid egress is created from the interior of each airless bag 38, through a capillary tube or short conduit 80, then through the corresponding inlet 50. Typically, the nebulizable liquid 40 is pulled along the path of egress by capillary action, although a micropump could be used as well. Once the nebulizable liquid 40 passes through inlet 50, the fluid enters a small internal space 54 for holding the liquid. Space 54 borders the actuator membrane 60 of the nebulizer. The nebulizer includes nozzle membrane 62 and an electronically-controlled piezo-atomizer 64. The actuator membrane 60 includes a central opening 60a so that liquid in space 54 can flow into nozzle membrane 62.

FIG. 2b illustrates a preferred second interface structure suitable for use in the present invention. Specifically, interface 224 has inlets 250 formed in the body of the interface; however, the inlets in this structure are roughly L-shaped and have a leg portion 250a that is beveled so that the circumference of the inlet increases along the path of liquid flow. The distal end of leg portion 250a, a point on the leg portion having the largest circumference, is contiguous with the foot portion 250b. Foot portion 250b is contiguous with and opens into space 254. This configuration provides a path of liquid egress from the interior of each airless bag, through a capillary tube or other short conduit, then through the corresponding inlet 250 and into small internal space 254. In this structure, piezo-electric element 264 is disposed on a side of the actuator membrane 260 that is opposite to the side of the actuator membrane near which the nozzle membrane 62 is disposed. In interface 24, the piezo-electric element 64 is disposed on the same side of actuator membrane 60 as is the nozzle membrane 62. In interface 224, actuator membrane 260 has no central opening but instead has two peripheral openings 260a that form a portion of inlets 250. Also, the body of interface 224 includes a large beveled cavity 270, which forms a sort of nozzle through which the nebulized liquid would pass after it has been nebulized through the nozzle membrane 62.

FIG. 2c illustrates a preferred third interface structure suitable for use in the present invention. Specifically, the third interface structure 324 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,219 B1 to Hess et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, as well as in co-pending application EP 01 121 075.4 and EP 01 103 653.0, both to Hess et al., both of which are likewise incorporated herein by reference. This interface 324 includes actuator membrane 360 that has inlets 350 formed therein. The inlets 350 are contiguous with small internal space 354 for holding the liquid to be nebulized and correspond in number to the number of access ports 34 of the cartridge 22. The piezo-electric element 264 is disposed on one side of the actuator membrane 360 and the nozzle membrane 362 is disposed on the other side of the actuator membrane. The advantage of the interface 324 is that the nozzles 362b of floor portions 362a are located to coincide with standing wave crests that are generated when the piezo-electric element 264 is activated, thereby increasing the nebulization efficiency of the liquid being nebulized.

The main advantage of the three described interface structures is that a dual or multiple inlet connection is provided that interfaces well with the innovative dual airless bag cartridges of