US5196171A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrostatic vapor/aerosol/air ion generator
Assignee: BRANDAROMA HOLDINGS Ltd
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Filing: 1991-03-11
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Granted: 1993-03-23
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Expires: 2011-03-11
Abstract
Abstract The controlled generation of vapors and/or aerosols from liquids is accomplished by applying a regulated, DC voltage to a wick-like, porous emitter or generator assembly which is supplied with the desired liquid to be vaporized. An electrostatic charge is applied to the liquid by means of an electrode positioned in contact with the wick assembly and connected to the DC power supply. The wick assembly includes a porous, capillary material, such as braided fibers, through which the liquid passes to exposed, vapor-emitting fiber tips. The environment in a room, or enclosed space of any kind, may be aromatically conditioned and/or have its quality modified and enhanced by using a selected liquid conditioning substance such as an aromatic oil, deodorant, disinfectant, fumigant, fungicide, insecticide, or bactericide.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark E. Peltier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L9/00; A61L9/015; A61L9/04; A61L9/12; A61L9/127; B; B05; B05B; B05B5/00; B05B5/025; B05B5/0255; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/88
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for generating electrostatically charged aerosols and vapors comprising: a porous, capillary unit of elongated configuration having a vapor dispensing end; electrode means, said electrode means consisting essentially of a single electrode disposed in close proximity to said capillary unit; electrical contact means on said electrode for connecting said electrode to a source of high voltage, direct current (DC) power; and means for supplying liquid to said capillary unit, whereby liquid passes through said porous capillary unit in proximity to said electrode and is electrostatically charged and dispensed as vapor or aerosol from said dispensing end of said capillary unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus for generating electrostatically charged aerosols and vapors comprising: a porous, capillary unit of elongated configuration having a vapor dispensing end; electrode means, said electrode means consisting essentially of a single electrode disposed in close proximity to said capillary unit; electrical contact means on said electrode for connecting said electrode to a source of high voltage, direct current (DC) power; and means for supplying liquid to said capillary unit, whereby liquid passes through said porous capillary unit in proximity to said electrode and is electrostatically charged and dispensed as vapor or aerosol from said dispensing end of said capillary unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein: said porous, capillary unit is comprised of a plurality of fiber filaments arranged in a tubular configuration which terminate at said dispensing end in a plurality of exposed, vapor-dispensing tips.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein: said fiber filaments are braided into capillament bundles, the extremities of which at said dispensing end of said capillary unit are open and unbraided to provide freely extending, filament tip extremities defining said dispensing tips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein: said capillary unit further comprises a central, elongated core made up of a plurality of semi-conductive capilaments through which liquid may pass, with said central core being positioned inside of said tubular configuration of fiber filaments in electrically conductive relation with said electrode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein: said capillaments each comprise a bundle of fibers in which a wire conductor is embedded.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein: said electrode is elongated and extends at least partially into said core substantially centrally thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein: said capillary unit is contained within an outer, liquid impervious vessel which holds a supply of liquid and comprises said means for supplying liquid to said capillary unit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein: said fiber filaments terminate at their lower ends in end segments which extend into the liquid within the vessel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 7 and further including an electrically insulating holder having an upwardly opening recess within which said vessel is removably received for vapor dispensing operation, said holder having electrical connector means therein for connecting said electrical contact means on said electrode to a power supply wire.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein: said capillary unit is contained and protected in an outer, liquid impervious tubular member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further including: a tubular passage within which said capillary unit is positioned; said means for supplying liquid comprises a liquid supply line connected to said capillary unit; and means for delivering a pressurized stream of air into said tubular passage for flow over said capillary unit and removal of vapors emitted from said capillary unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein: said capillary unit is comprises of a plurality of fiber filaments arranged in a tubular configuration, and a central, elongated core made up of a plurality of semi-conductive capillaments through which liquid may pass, with said core being positioned inside of said tubular configuration of fiber filaments in electrically conductive relation with said electrode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein: capillaments each comprise a bundle of fibers in which a wire conductor is embedded.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
147 words
Apparatus for generating electrostatically charged vapors and aerosols for release into a room comprising: a porous, capillary unit of elongated configuration having a vapor dispensing end terminating in a plurality of filaments; electrode means, said electrode means consisting essentially of a single electrode disposed in close proximity to said capillary unit; electrical contact means on said electrode for connecting said electrode to a source of high voltage, direct current (DC) power; means for supplying liquid to said capillary unit, whereby liquid passes through said capillary unit in proximity to said electrode and is electrostatically charged and dispensed as a vapor or aerosol from said dispensing end of said capillary unit, said liquid supplying means comprising an outer, liquid impervious vessel which holds a supply of liquid; and an electrically insulating holder having an upwardly opening recess within which said vessel is removably received for vapor dispensing operation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
147 words
Apparatus for generating electrostatically charged vapors and aerosols for release into a room comprising: a porous, capillary unit of elongated configuration having a vapor dispensing end terminating in a plurality of filaments; electrode means, said electrode means consisting essentially of a single electrode disposed in close proximity to said capillary unit; electrical contact means on said electrode for connecting said electrode to a source of high voltage, direct current (DC) power; means for supplying liquid to said capillary unit, whereby liquid passes through said capillary unit in proximity to said electrode and is electrostatically charged and dispensed as a vapor or aerosol from said dispensing end of said capillary unit, said liquid supplying means comprising an outer, liquid impervious vessel which holds a supply of liquid; and an electrically insulating holder having an upwardly opening recess within which said vessel is removably received for vapor dispensing operation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein: said capillary unit is comprised of a plurality of fiber filaments arranged in a tubular configuration.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein: said capillary unit further comprises a central, elongated core made up of a plurality of semi-conductive capillaments through which liquid may pass, said central core being positioned inside of said tubular configuration of fiber filaments in electrically conductive relation with said electrode.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-03-22 | 1996-09-21 | 1997-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-22 | 2000-09-21 | 2001-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-22 | 2004-09-21 | 2005-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |