U.S. patent application number 11/370703 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for apparatus for dispersing scents into the environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to JCS/THG, LLC. Invention is credited to David Bossa, Stephan Gary Bush, Bruce Chang, Keith Fanta, Jaideep Jayaram, Ricardo Silveira, Stanley O. Thompson, Brice Daniel Westring.
Application Number | 20060153744 11/370703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33451898 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060153744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; Stanley O. ; et
al. |
July 13, 2006 |
Apparatus for dispersing scents into the environment
Abstract
The present invention is a device for playing a cartridge for
dispersing scented materials into a room. The cartridge generally
has a plurality of scent elements supported on a rotatable disk.
The device includes a housing, a blower assembly, a platter, a
motor, first and second sensors and a control unit. The housing has
a cavity for receiving the cartridge and is formed with an air
intake and an exhaust port. The blower assembly is mounted within
the housing for generating an airflow by drawing air in through the
air intake over the cavity to diffuse at least one of the plurality
of scent elements out through the exhaust port. The platter is
configured to engage the rotatable disk and is rotated by the
motor. The platter, first and second sensors and a control unit
cooperate to control the rotation of the disk. The device can also
include a heating element for activating the scent elements.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Stanley O.; (New
Boston, NH) ; Silveira; Ricardo; (Bridgewater,
MA) ; Bossa; David; (Uxbridge, MA) ; Jayaram;
Jaideep; (Milford, MA) ; Westring; Brice Daniel;
(Mason, OH) ; Fanta; Keith; (Liberty Township,
OH) ; Bush; Stephan Gary; (Hamilton, OH) ;
Chang; Bruce; (Tai-Chung, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMANN & BARON, LLP
6900 JERICHO TURNPIKE
SYOSSET
NY
11791
US
|
Assignee: |
JCS/THG, LLC
|
Family ID: |
33451898 |
Appl. No.: |
11/370703 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10449918 |
May 29, 2003 |
7011795 |
|
|
11370703 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/122 ;
422/123; 422/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2209/111 20130101;
Y10T 74/1418 20150115; A61L 9/122 20130101; Y10S 261/65 20130101;
A61L 9/125 20130101; Y10T 74/1412 20150115; A61L 9/035 20130101;
Y10T 74/14 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/122 ;
422/123; 422/125 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/03 20060101
A61L009/03 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for rotating a disk having a plurality of scent
elements supported thereon, the apparatus comprising; a platter
having a hub extending upwardly from a center thereof, said hub
configured to removably engage the disk in a predetermined
rotational position and defining an axis of rotation; a motor
coupled to said platter for rotating said platter about said axis
of rotation; a first position indicator disposed on said platter to
rotate about said axis of rotation through a first circular path; a
first sensor arranged adjacent to a first point on said first
circular path and generating a signal when said first position
indicator is rotated to said first point; and a control unit
coupled to said first sensor and said motor, said control unit
controlling current delivered to said motor to operate said motor
and altering the current upon receiving said signal from said first
sensor.
2. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined by claim 1, wherein
said first position indicator comprises at least one notch formed
on a ring extending upwardly from said platter and concentric with
said hub.
3. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined by claim 2, wherein
said first sensor is an optical sensor configured to detect said at
least one notch.
4. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined by claim 3, wherein
said ring includes an edge and said optical sensor is formed with a
slot for said edge to ride within.
5. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined by claim 1, wherein
said first position indicator is a magnet and said first sensor is
a magnetic sensor configured to detect said magnet.
6. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined in claim 1, wherein
said platter hub includes a groove extending perpendicularly to
said axis of rotation.
7. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined in claim 1, wherein
said platter further includes a latch notch formed on a perimeter
edge thereof, said latch notch being configured to release a latch
when said platter is rotated to a home position.
8. An apparatus for rotating a disk as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a heater disposed adjacent said platter and a spring for
biasing said heater.
9. A device for playing a cartridge having a plurality of scent
elements supported on a rotatable disk, said device comprising: a
housing having a cavity for receiving the cartridge and being
formed with an air intake and an exhaust port; a blower assembly
mounted within said housing for generating an airflow by drawing
air in through said air intake over said cavity and out through
said exhaust port; a heater for heating a scent element when a
cartridge is positioned within said cavity; a platter having a body
defined by a perimeter and a center, a hub connected to said body
at said center to define an axis of rotation generally
perpendicular to said airflow generated by said blower and being
configured to removably engage the rotatable disk of the cartridge
in a predetermined rotational position, a first position indicator
disposed on said body, and a second position indicator disposed on
said body; a motor mounted within said housing and coupled to said
platter for rotating said platter about said axis of rotation so
that said first position indicator rotates through a first circular
path and said second position indicator rotates through a second
circular path; a first sensor for generating a first signal when
said first position indicator is rotated to a first point; a second
sensor for generating a second signal when said second position
indicator is rotated to a second point; and a control unit coupled
to said first sensor, said second sensor and said motor, said
control unit controlling current delivered to said motor in
response to said first signal from said first sensor and said
second signal from said second sensor.
10. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 9, wherein
said first position indicator comprises at least one notch formed
on a first ring extending upwardly from said platter and concentric
with said hub, said notch corresponding with a home position of the
rotatable disk of the cartridge.
11. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 10,
wherein said second position indicator comprises at least one notch
formed on a second ring extending upwardly from said platter and
concentric with said first ring, said notch corresponding with a
location of at least one of the plurality of scent elements on the
rotatable disk of the cartridge.
12. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 11,
wherein said first sensor is an optical sensor configured to detect
said notch corresponding to the home position of the rotatable disk
of the cartridge and said second sensor is an optical sensor
configured to detect said at least one notch corresponding with a
location of at least one of the plurality of scent elements on the
rotatable disk of the cartridge.
13. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 12,
wherein said first and second optical sensors are each formed with
a slot for each respective ring to ride within.
14. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 9, wherein
said first and second position indicators are magnets and said
first and second sensors are magnetic sensors configured to detect
said respective magnet.
15. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 11,
wherein said control unit is configured to sequentially rotate said
hub from the home location through each of the locations
corresponding to one of the plurality of scent elements on the
rotatable disk and back to the home location.
16. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 15,
wherein said control unit is configured to stop the rotation of
said hub for a play period at each of the plurality of scent
elements.
17. A device for playing a cartridge as defined by claim 9, further
comprising: a cover being hingedly connected to said housing for
covering said cavity when in a closed position; a latch configured
to maintain said cover in said closed position and being formed
with a key; and wherein said perimeter of said platter is formed
with a latch notch associated with a home location and configured
to receive said key so that said latch can be translated to open
said cover when said platter is at said home location.
18. A device for playing a cartridge as defined in claim 9, wherein
said platter hub includes a groove extending perpendicularly to
said axis of rotation.
19. A device for playing a cartridge as defined in claim 9, further
comprising a spring for biasing said heater.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/449,918, filed on May 29, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a method and
apparatus for dispersing volatile materials into the environment.
In particular, the present invention is directed to a device that
disperses a plurality of different scents into the air. The present
invention is also directed to a device for rotating an object a
predetermined range about an axis.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0005] PCT Publication WO 02/09772 discloses a device for
dispensing a plurality of scents into the air. The device 20
employs a replaceable cartridge 22. The cartridge can include a
plurality of different scent elements. The cartridge 22 is designed
so that all of the scent elements are sealed when the cartridge is
removed from the device 20. The plurality of scent elements can be
supported on a circular rotatable disk 46 formed with a plurality
of pockets 44. The pockets 44 are arranged to have a blank space
located between at least two of the pockets 44. The plurality of
scent elements are preferably in the form of a gel, but can
include: solids, liquids, beads, encapsulates, wicks, carrier
materials, and combinations thereof. The plurality of scent
elements can be related to an overall "theme" or "physiological
effect." For example, the plurality of scent elements can all be
fruit scents.
[0006] The device 20 disclosed in PCT Publication WO 02/09772
generally includes a component for activating the scent elements
and a component for diffusing the aromatic materials. The component
for activating the scent elements can be one or more heating
elements 132. The component for diffusing the aromatic materials
can be a fan 134. The device can include a mechanism for aligning
the heater 132 with one or more scent elements, or the device can
be configured to include a heating element located under each
pocket 44. The device 20 includes a motor 142 and a pair of gears
144, 146 for rotating the disk 46 within the cartridge 22. The
gears include a worm gear 146 and a plate gear 144 that are
configured to rotate a shaft 138 that engages the disk 46. The
device 20 includes electronic controls which can be configured to
allow the user to: start and stop the device; control the volume
and intensity of the scent; and control the selection of the scent
including skipping a scent that is included in the cartridge
22.
[0007] PCT Publication No. WO 00/12143 discloses an odor dispensing
device and cartridge. The device includes a housing and a disc
shaped cartridge. The cartridge is adapted to move around its
rotation axis and includes a plurality of radially arranged
compartments which contain an odorant carrier. The device includes
a fan 21 for producing an airstream which is directed to a selected
compartment. The cartridge is rotated by a drive belt 38 and can
include a number of scents. The device is configured to position
the cartridge and produce an airstream to the selected compartment
in response to a signal from: a computer control module; a
microprocessor; an optical system; or a timing mechanism.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,768 to Schwartz, et al. discloses an
apparatus for diffusing aroma therapy oils which allow the user to
pre-select a variety of aromas to be introduced at predetermined
time intervals so that different moods or state of minds can be
created. The apparatus includes a tray having a plurality of
receptacles for various aromatic materials, and a heating means for
heating a pre-selected receptacle, and thus aromatic material. The
apparatus also includes a motor driven timer, that rotates the
tray, so that the plurality of receptacles containing different
aromatic materials are exposed to the heating means at a
predetermined time period. The apparatus further includes a lid
with a hole that exposes the pre-selected receptacle and aromatic
material when the receptacle and aromatic material are exposed to
the heating means. The aroma released from the heated aromatic
material emanates into the environment through the hole. The
remaining receptacles, which are out of close proximity to the
heating means, are sealed to avoid the evaporation of the aromatic
materials.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,148 to Pendergrass, Jr. discloses an
apparatus for delivering one or more aromas at selected times. The
apparatus includes a housing with a receptacle and an aroma
delivery device detachably received in the receptacle. The aroma
delivery device includes a carrier having a plurality of
aroma-bearing elements that are selectively communicated with an
air passageway for providing one or more aromas as desired. The
device is especially useful for providing a realistic sensory
experience in an interactive or non-interactive use, and may be
used in such diverse settings as the entertainment industry, the
educational training field or a medical arena.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,327 to Palamand, et al. discloses an air
freshener that includes a container which carries a cartridge
having a plurality of sections, each of which is filled with a
porous material impregnated with a differently scented substance.
At least the front wall of the container has an aperture of
generally the same shape and size as the cartridge sections. The
cartridge may be rotated within the container to selectively bring
one of its sections into alignment with the aperture, in order to
expose a scented substance in one of the sections to the ambient
air contained within a room, causing evaporation of the scented
substance and freshening of the room's air. The back wall of the
container may also be provided with an aperture, which is in
general axial alignment with the front wall aperture, and tape or
the like surrounding the aperture, so that the air freshener may be
mounted over a vent or the like. In this manner, the fragrant scent
will be spread into a room by force rather than by convection.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,604 to Spector discloses a player for a
multi-aroma cartridge constituted by a planar array of like frame
assemblies held within a multi-section framework, each assembly
being formed by a pad of absorbent material sandwiched between a
pair of frames whose margins are joined together to define a
central zone exposing the pad. The pad of each assembly is
impregnated with a liquid fragrance that differs from those of the
others. When the cartridge is inserted in a slot in the player
case, it lies over a complementary honeycomb, each of whose cells
is then in registration with a respective assembly. The cells are
provided with individual electric heaters such that when a selected
cell heater is energized, it heats the air in the cell to produce a
positive pressure therein that acts to force the heated air through
the zone to volatilize the liquid fragrance, the resultant aromatic
vapor being discharged into the atmosphere through vents in the
case. The selection of aromas to be played may be effected manually
or it may be synchronized to follow the scenes of a video tape or
movie film presentation.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,030 to McCarthy discloses a system for
emitting, in sequence, a plurality of different scents. The system
includes a plurality of holders for scent-bearing chips; a
mechanism for propelling these scents from the system; a mechanism
for selectively conveying any desired scent holder into operative
relation with the propelling mechanism; and a mechanism for
actuating the propelling mechanism to propel scent from any desired
scent holder in response to a programmed, predetermined sequence of
scents of predetermined duration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is a device for playing a cartridge
for dispersing scented materials into a room. The cartridge
generally has a plurality of scent elements supported on a
rotatable disk. The device includes a housing, a blower assembly, a
platter, a motor, first and second sensors and a control unit. The
housing has a cavity for receiving the cartridge and is formed with
an air intake and an exhaust port. The blower assembly is mounted
within the housing for generating an airflow by drawing air in
through the air intake over the cavity to diffuse at least one of
the plurality of scent elements out through the exhaust port. The
platter has a body defined by a perimeter and a center, a hub, and
first and second position indicators. The hub is configured to
removably engage the rotatable disk of the cartridge and is
connected to the body at the center to define an axis of rotation.
The first and second position indicators are connected to the body.
The motor is mounted within the housing and coupled to the platter
for rotating the platter about the axis of rotation so that the
first position indicator rotates through a first circular path and
the second position indicator rotates through a second circular
path. The first sensor is arranged adjacent to a first point on the
first circular path and generates a first signal when the first
position indicator is rotated to the first point. The second sensor
is arranged adjacent to a second point on the second circular path
and generates a second signal when the second position indicator is
rotated to the second point. The control unit is electrically
coupled to: the first sensor; the second sensor; and the motor, and
controls the current delivered to the motor to operate the motor.
The control unit alters the current delivered to the motor upon
receiving either the first signal from the first sensor or the
second signal from the second sensor. The device also preferably
includes a heating element positioned within the cavity for
activating at least one of the plurality of scent elements.
[0014] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first
position indicator is a first tubular ring formed with at least one
notch which is positioned to correspond with a home position of the
rotatable disk of the cartridge. The second position indicator is a
second tubular ring formed with a plurality of notches. Each notch
is positioned to correspond with a location of one of the plurality
of scent elements on the rotatable disk of the cartridge. The first
and second sensors are preferably optical sensors configured to
detect the location of the notches corresponding to the home
position and location of the scent elements on the rotatable disk
of the cartridge. The optical sensors are preferably formed with a
slot so that an edge of each respective tubular ring can ride
within the slot. The device preferably includes a cover and a latch
configured to cooperate to cover the cavity. The cover is rotatably
connected to the housing and the latch is configured to maintain
the cover in the closed position and is formed with a key.
Preferably the perimeter of the platter is formed with a latch
notch that corresponds to the home position of the rotatable disk.
The latch notch is configured to receive the key so that the latch
can be translated to open the cover when the platter is at the home
position. The motor is preferably configured to be operated under
direct current and is coupled to the platter through a plurality of
gears to increase the torque delivered to the platter. The motor
preferably includes a first terminal maintained at a ground
potential and a second terminal maintained at a high potential
during the operation of the motor. The control unit is preferably
configured to alter the current delivered to the motor by at least
one of:
[0015] isolating one of the first and second terminals to stop the
current flowing through the motor;
[0016] providing an alternate path in parallel with the second
terminal to divert current from flowing through the motor; and
[0017] applying a substantially high potential to the first
terminal. During the operation of the device, the control unit is
preferably configured to sequentially rotate the hub from the home
location through each location of a scent element and back to the
home location. The control unit is preferably configured to stop
the rotation of the hub for a play period at each of the plurality
of scent elements. When a heating element is included in the
device, the control unit is preferably configured to operate the
heating element during at least a portion of the play period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been chosen for
purposes of illustration and description and are shown in the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom
housing, blower assembly, and portion of the platter drive assembly
of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the platter,
heater assembly, and the main printed circuit board of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the upper housing
of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 on
FIG. 2 showing the general path that the air takes through the
present invention without having a cartridge installed therein;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 on
FIG. 2 showing the general path that the air takes through the
present invention with a cartridge installed therein;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 on
FIG. 3 showing a portion of the drive assembly and blower
assembly;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 on
FIG. 3 showing a portion of the drive assembly and blower
assembly;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 on
FIG. 3 showing the main printed circuit board and heater
assembly;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a first perspective view showing the bottom
housing, drive assembly, and blower assembly of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a second perspective view showing the bottom
housing, drive assembly, and blower assembly of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view similar to the view shown in
FIG. 15 with the platter shown installed on the drive assembly;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view similar to the view shown in
FIG. 16 with the platter shown installed on the drive assembly;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the platter;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 on
FIG. 19 of the platter;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the platter;
[0040] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the platter;
[0041] FIG. 23 is a partially cut away top perspective view similar
of the present invention showing the latch engaging the
platter;
[0042] FIG. 24 is an enlarged detail of the latch engaging the
platter shown in FIG. 23;
[0043] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view showing the main
printed circuit board and a portion of the heater assembly;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a first schematic view of the control unit shown
in relationship to the platter;
[0045] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the bottom housing,
platter drive assembly, main printed circuit board and a portion of
the heater assembly;
[0046] FIG. 28 is an enlarged detail showing the relationship
between main printed circuit board and the platter;
[0047] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a power supply
circuit;
[0048] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the blower, heater and
motor circuits;
[0049] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a circuit;
[0050] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of a circuit;
[0051] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagrams of the optical sensors;
[0052] FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the play-skip printed
circuit board assembly; and
[0053] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the intensity printed
circuit board assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 11, the device 43 for
dispensing volatile materials into the environment is configured to
play a replaceable cartridge 42 that includes a plurality of
different scent elements. The cartridge 42 is preferably designed
so that all of the scent elements are sealed when the cartridge is
removed from the device 43. The plurality of scent elements are
generally supported on a rotatable disk formed with a plurality of
pockets. The pockets are preferably arranged to have a blank space
located between at least two of the pockets that defines a home
position. The plurality of scent elements are preferably in the
form of a gel, but can include: solids, liquids, beads,
encapsulates, wicks, carrier materials, and combinations thereof.
The scent elements preferably require some form of activation to
prevent the scent element from prematurely volatizing on its
own.
[0055] The device generally plays the cartridge 42 by initially
selecting and positioning one of the plurality of scent elements
for diffusion. When the scent element is in the preferred form that
requires activation, such as a gel, the scent element is next
activated. The activated scent element is then diffused into the
environment. In order to accomplish these steps in playing the
cartridge 42, the device 43 generally includes a drive assembly 66,
a heating assembly 68, a blower assembly 70, and a positioning
assembly 72 contained within a housing. The device 43 also includes
a control unit 73 that controls and coordinates the operation of
the individual assemblies.
[0056] The cartridge 42 that is played by the device 43 is
disclosed in a U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2004/0016818, entitled "Volatile Material-Containing Article" by
Rachel Murdell and Stephan G. Bush filed on May 29, 2003, which is
incorporated herein by reference. In order to play the cartridge
42, the drive assembly 66 generally needs to generate a torque of
about 5 inch pounds to rotate the disk within the cartridge 43 for
positioning the scent elements. The blower assembly 70 preferably
delivers an airflow at a constant velocity of about 800 feet per
minute, and the heating assembly 68 preferably is configured to be
heated to a temperature in a range from about 60 to about 120
degrees Celsius.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the device 43 includes a
housing that contains the drive assembly 66, the heating assembly
68, the blower assembly 70, the positioning assembly 72, and the
control unit 73 which are described in detail below. The housing
generally includes a bottom housing 1, a top housing 2, a top cover
7, and a top cap 9, and is preferably made from a plastic.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the bottom housing 1 generally
supports the drive assembly 66 and blower assembly 70 therein. The
bottom housing 1 preferably includes a plurality of feet 16 made
from an elastomer to provide slip resistance and to help reduce any
vibrations associated the blower assembly 70 and drive assembly 66.
As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 14, the top housing 2 generally supports
the heating assembly 68 and the positioning assembly 70 above the
bottom housing 2. The top cap 9 is mounted to the top housing 2 and
is rotatably connected to the top cover 7. The top cover 7 includes
a lower portion 8 that defines a channel 49 that communicates with
the blower assembly 70. The top cover 7 together with the lower
portion 8 can be opened to provide access to a cartridge-receiving
cavity 47 formed in the top housing 2 for installing the cartridge
42 therein. The lower portion 8 is preferably configured to
cooperate with at least one torsion spring 38 and a spring damper
40 to hold the cover 7 in a substantially upright position after
opening.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, the housing also includes a left
control panel 10, a right control panel 11, and latch 31. The left
control panel 10 supports an intensity button 12 that cooperates
with switch SW2 on the intensity printed circuit board 33 which is
shown in FIG. 36. The right control panel 11 supports a play/stop
button 13 and a skip button 14 that cooperate respectively with
switches SW4 and SW3 on the play-skip printed circuit board 34
which is shown in FIG. 34.
[0060] Referring initially to FIGS. 10 and 11, the latch 31 is
configured to cooperate with a lip 82 formed on the lower portion 8
of the top cover 7 to maintain the top cover in a closed position
as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The latch 31 is biased by a latch
torsion spring 37 supported by a spring latch shaft 15 against the
lip 82 as shown in FIG. 10 in the absence of pressure. The latch 31
preferably cooperates with the drive assembly 66 to lock the top
cover 7 in a closed position after the drive assembly 66 has
rotated the disk within the cartridge 42 from a home position. The
drive assembly 66 and positioning assembly 72 preferably include a
platter 19 that has a body 112 defined by a perimeter 88 and a
center 114 with a hub 21 attached to the body 112 at the center
114, which is illustrated in FIGS. 19 through 22. The perimeter 88
is preferably formed with a latch notch 84 configured to receive a
key 86 formed on the latch 31 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The
latch notch 84 is located on the perimeter 88 of the platter 19
corresponding to the home position of the cartridge 42. When the
cartridge 42 is located in the home position, pressure applied to
the latch 31 will translate the key 86 into the latch notch 84
while disengaging the latch 31 from the lip 82. However, when the
cartridge 42 has been rotated out of the home position, pressure
applied to the latch 31 will force the key 86 against the perimeter
88 of the platter 19 and the latch 31 will not be disengaged from
the lip 82.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 14, 23, and 25, the
cartridge-receiving cavity 47 formed in the top housing 2 includes
first and second rectangular shaped openings 74, 76 configured to
cooperate respectively with an ejection member 41 and an electrical
switch 78 (corresponding to switch SW1 shown on FIG. 32). Referring
now to FIG. 10, the ejection member 41 is spring loaded to assist
in removing a cartridge 42 that is installed in the
cartridge-receiving cavity 47. The electrical switch 78 is
supported by the main printed circuit board 32 as shown in FIG. 25
and cuts off current to the main printed circuit board 32 unless a
cartridge 42 is installed in the cartridge-receiving cavity 47. The
cartridge-receiving cavity 47 is also preferably formed with a tab
80 for engaging the cartridge 42. The cartridge 42 can be
configured to cooperate with the tab 80 to not allow the disk
within the cartridge 42 to rotate unless the cartridge 42 engages
the tab 80.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 7, 13, and 15 through 18, the drive
assembly 66 is mounted within the bottom housing 1 and includes a
motor 35A and a plurality of gears 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28,
30 arranged to rotate a hub 21 about an axis of rotation 110. The
hub 21 is configured to engage the rotatable disk within the
cartridge 42. The motor 35A is preferably a DC powered motor that
operates at about 12 volts to produce a torque of about 0.4 in-lbs
with a motor speed about 250 r.p.m. A suitable motor is model
WRF-500TB-12560 No. WCG-004Y-017 manufactured by Shenzhen Weizhen
Motor Co., LTD. The motor 35A is preferably mounted to the bottom
housing 1 by a motor retainer 6 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 13. The 12
volts of DC current is preferably provided through an external
power pack that is configured to cooperate with jack 36 shown in
FIGS. 5 and 7. The plurality of gears combine generally for about
an overall 953:1 gear reduction to deliver at least 5 in-lbs torque
at about a 3 second per revolution speed to the hub 21.
[0063] The overall 953:1 gear reduction is accomplished through the
reduction by the separate combinations of the individual gears. The
individual gears are generally defined by parameters including:
outside diameter, pitch diameter, teeth number, pitch, and pressure
angle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, these parameters
are about as follows: TABLE-US-00001 Outside Diameter Pitch Pitch
(milli- Diameter Number of (En- Pressure Gear meters) (millimeters)
gear teeth glish) Angle platter 119.56 117.45 111 24 20 degree 19
worm 20 14.81 12.7 helical single 24 14.5 (.500 inch) thread to
match worm gear 22 worm 33.86 31.75 30 24 14.5 gear 22 (1.250 inch)
first 14.81 12.7 12 24 20 degree small (.500 inch) gear 23 second
59.26 57.15 54 24 20 degree large (2.250 inch) gear 24 second 33.86
31.75 30 24 20 degree small (1.250 inch) gear 26 third 43.38 41.28
39 24 20 degree gear 27 (1.625 inch) fourth 46.56 44.45 42 24 20
degree large (1.750 inch) gear 28 fourth 25.4 23.19 22 24 20 degree
small (.917 inch) gear 30
The motor 35A is coupled to the worm 20 which engages worm gear 22.
The worm gear 22 is coupled to first small gear 23 which engages
second large gear 24. The second large gear 24 is preferably
coupled to second small gear 26 by a second gear sleeve 25. The
second small gear 26 engages third gear 27 which in turn engages
fourth large gear 28. The fourth large gear 28 is coupled to fourth
small gear 30 by a fourth gear sleeve 29. The fourth small gear 30
engages the platter 19 which has the hub 21 mounted thereon.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 8, 11, 25, the heating assembly 68
generally includes a heating element 45 mounted to the top housing
2 within the device 43 and is configured to reach a temperature in
a range from about 60 to about 120 degrees Celsius. The heating
element 45 can be a resistive type heating element, and is
preferably enclosed between a heater cover 18 and a heater plunger
17. Referring to FIG. 10, the heating assembly 68 is configured to
have a portion of the heater cover 18 protrude through a heater
opening 46 in the cartridge-receiving cavity 47 formed in the top
housing 2 before the cartridge 42 is installed. The heater cover 18
is preferably made from a metal such as stainless steel. The heater
plunger 17 is preferably formed from a heat resistant plastic such
as PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). The heating assembly 68
preferably includes a spring 39 to bias the heating element 45
against the cartridge 42 to ensure that the scent element within
the cartridge 42 is heated efficiently as shown in FIG. 11. The
spring 39 is supported by a retainer 5 which is connected to the
top housing 2. The heating element 45 is preferably selected so
that it can be operated at various temperatures for adjusting the
amount of scent element that is activated. The temperature of the
heating element 45 can generally be adjusted by controlling the
amount of current that passes through the heating element 45 over a
given period of time. This can generally be accomplished by either
regulating a constant value of current that is delivered to the
heating element 45 in a substantially continuous manner, or by
controlling the timing of sequentially pulsing the current that is
delivered to the heating element 45.
[0065] Referring initially to FIGS. 7, 11 and 15, the blower
assembly 70 is mounted within the bottom housing 1 and generally
includes a blower wheel 4 and a motor 35B. The motor 35B is
preferably a DC powered motor that operates at about 12 volts. A
suitable motor is model WRF-500TB-12560 No. WCG-004Y-017
manufactured by Shenzhen Weizhen Motor Co., LTD. The motor 35B is
preferably mounted to the bottom housing 1 and is retained therein
by a portion of a blower housing 3 as shown in FIG. 12. The blower
wheel 4 is preferably a forward curved centrifugal blower which
draws air in axially to the center and then expels the air out
radially into a scroll 48 formed by the bottom housing 2 and the
blower housing 3. The air is drawn into the blower wheel 4 from an
air intake defined by openings 50 formed in the bottom housing 2 at
the bottom and rear of the device 43. The scroll 48 is arranged to
direct the resulting airflow through a channel 49 formed in the
lower portion of the top cover 8. The channel 49 directs the
airflow over the cartridge-receiving cavity 47 to diffuse a scent
element corresponding to the location of the heater element 45. As
the airflow passes over an activated scent element, the airflow
captures the resulting volatized materials and carries them out
through an exhaust port 51 formed in the top cover 7.
[0066] Referring initially to FIGS. 26 and 27, the positioning
assembly 72 monitors the rotation of the hub 21 of the drive
assembly 66 which in turn controls the positioning of the scent
elements located within the cartridge 42. The positioning assembly
72 generally includes at least one position-indicator 90 attached
to the platter 19 to rotate through a circular path 92 and at least
one sensor 96 arranged adjacent to a point 98 on the circular path
92 for generating a signal when the position indicator 90 is
rotated to the point 98. In a first preferred embodiment of the
positioning 72 assembly, the at least one position indicator 90 is
a first ring 54 formed with at least one notch 56 attached to the
platter 19 and the sensor 96 is an optical sensor 52 which is
preferably mounted to the main printed circuit board assembly 32 as
shown in FIGS. 14 and 25.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 14, 17, and 27, a second preferred
embodiment of the positioning assembly 72 generally includes first
and second optical sensors 52, 53 and first and second rings 54,
55. The first and second optical sensors 52, 53 are preferably
mounted at points 98, 100 on the main printed circuit board
assembly 32 as shown in FIG. 14. The main printed circuit board
assembly 32 can be mounted between the platter 19 and the
cartridge-receiving cavity 47 formed in the top housing 2 as shown
in FIGS. 14 and 2. The optical sensors 52, 53 are preferably slot
optical switches and can be configured schematically as shown in
FIG. 33. A suitable commercially available slot optical switch for
both the first and second optical sensors 52, 53 is the
ITR8402-A/F3 slot optical switch manufactured by Everlight
Electroniccs Co., Ltd. No 25, Lane 76, Chung Yang Rd, Sec. 3
Tucheng, Tapei 236, Taiwan, R.O.C.
[0068] The first and second rings 54, 55 are preferably tubular and
are mounted to the platter 19 about the axis of rotation defined by
the hub 21 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The first ring 54 is formed
with a home notch 56 which generally corresponds to a starting and
stopping position for the disk within the cartridge 42 generally
referred to as the home position. The second ring 55 is formed with
a plurality of position notches 57. Each of the position notches 57
generally corresponds to the location of a scent element on the
disk within the cartridge 42.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 26, 27, and 28, the first and second
optical sensors 52, 53 are arranged on the main printed circuit
board assembly 32 so that an edge 102, 104 of each of the first and
second rings 54, 55 rides within the slot 106, 108 formed in each
respective sensor 52, 53. When the drive assembly 66 is operating
to rotate the platter 19, the notches 56, 57 on both the first and
second rings 54, 55 are rotated through circular paths 92, 94. The
first optical sensor 52 will detect the presence of the home notch
56 and send a signal to a control unit 73. Similarly, the second
optical sensor 53 will detect the presence of the position notches
57 and will send a signal to the control unit 73. As discussed
further below, the control unit 73 generally will stop the drive
assembly 66 when the second optical sensor 53 detects one of the
position notches 57 to play the scent element associated with that
location. The device 43 includes the first optical sensor 52 and
the first ring 54 formed with the home notch 56 to provide a signal
to the control unit 73 that the disk is at the home position. The
control unit 73 is configured to track the playing of the scent
elements associated with the position notches 57 on the second ring
55.
[0070] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the position
indicators could be permanent magnets and the sensors could be
magnetic sensors configured to detect the presence of the permanent
magnets. The magnets would be located at positions corresponding to
the location of the notches as shown in FIG. 19.
[0071] Referring initially to FIG. 26, the control unit 73
generally includes a main printed circuit board 32, an intensity
printed circuit board 33 and a play-skip printed circuit board 34.
The control unit 73 is shown schematically in FIGS. 29 through
33.
[0072] A schematic diagram of a power supply circuit 59 is shown in
FIG. 24 where a 12V dc power source is preferably provided across
pad1 and pad2, with the positive terminal of the 12V power source
being provided on pad1 and ground being provided on pad2. The jack
36 shown in FIG. 5 is preferably electrically connected to pad1 and
pad2. An input terminal of a 12v-to-5v dc regulator 7805/7905
U1,which is commercially available from STMicroelectronics, 16350
West Bernardo Dr, San Diego--Rancho Bernardo, Calif. 92127, is
preferably connected to pad1 and an output terminal of the
regulator U1 preferably provides a 5V dc power source or Vcc.
Bypass capacitors (1000 uF/25v) E1 and (220 uF/16v) E2 are
preferably connected in parallel across the 12V and 5V power
sources, respectively.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 32, an eight-bit microcontroller
EM78P153S U2, which is commercially available from Elan
Microelectronics Corp., Ltd., No. 12, Innovation 1st. Rd,.
Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu City, Taiwan, having
one-time-programmable (OTP) read only memory (ROM) is preferably
provided to control the operation of the control unit 73 in
accordance with software stored in the OTP ROM.
[0074] The series connection of a light emitting diode LED 1,
resistor R5, and switch SW1 is preferably connected across the 5v
power source and a bias signal provided by the microprocessor U2. A
node between the resistor R5 and the switch SW1 is connected to pin
2 of the microprocessor U2. The LED1 preferably provides an
indication of a high setting for the device 43.
[0075] The series connection of a light emitting diode LED3,
resistor R6, and switch SW2 is preferably connected across the 5v
power source and the bias signal provided by the microprocessor U2.
A node between the resistor R6 and the switch SW2 is connected to
pin 3 of the microprocessor U2. The LED3 preferably provides an
indication of a medium setting for the device 43.
[0076] The series connection of a light emitting diode LED2,
resistor R7, and switch SW3 is preferably connected across the 5v
power source and the bias signal provided by the microprocessor U2.
A node between the resistor R7 and the switch SW1 is connected to
pin 5 of the microprocessor U2. The LED2 preferably provides an
indication of a low setting for the device 43.
[0077] The series connection of a light emitting diode LED4,
resistor R8, and switch SW4 is preferably connected across the 5v
power source and the bias signal provided by the microprocessor U2.
A node between the resistor R8 and the switch SW4 is connected to
pin 6 of the microprocessor U2. The LED4 preferably provides an
indication that power has been applied to the device 43.
[0078] The microcontroller U2, LED1-LED4, and switches SW1-SW4
preferably incorporate two modes of operation. In a display mode,
the bias signal is preferably input to the microcontroller U2. Pins
2, 3, 5, and 6 of the microcontroller U2 are used as outputs and
selectively brought to a low level to energize the corresponding
LED. In a select mode, the bias signal is preferably used as an
output from the microcontroller U2 and the state of the switches
SW1-SW4 are read on the corresponding pins 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the
microcontroller U2.
[0079] A schematic diagram of the first optical sensor 52 and the
second optical sensor 53 is shown in FIG. 33. The first optical
sensor 52 preferably includes a 3 k ohm resistor R13 and a light
emitting diode LED6 electrically coupled in series between the 12v
power source and ground, as well as a photodetector LED8 and a 27 k
ohm resistor R15 electrically coupled in series between the 5v
power source and ground. A node between the resistor R15 and the
photodetector LED8 is preferably connected to a home signal on pin
7 of the microcontroller U2 shown in FIG. 32.
[0080] When the light beam between LED6 and the photodetector LED8
is interrupted, the photodetector is preferably an open circuit and
the microcontroller senses a high level (5v) on the home signal.
Conversely, when the light beam between the LED6 and the
photodetector LED8 is not interrupted, the photodetector is
preferably a short circuit between the resistor R15 and ground and
the microcontroller senses a low level (.about.0v) on the home
signal.
[0081] Similarly, the second optical sensor 53 preferably includes
a 3 k ohm resistor R12 and a light emitting diode LED5 electrically
coupled in series between the 12v power source and ground, as well
as a photodetector LED7 and a 27 k ohm resistor R14 electrically
coupled in series between the 5v power source and ground. A node
between the resistor R14 and the photodetector LED7 is preferably
connected to a position signal on pin 7 of the microcontroller U2
shown in FIG. 32.
[0082] When the light beam between LED5 and the photodetector LED7
is interrupted, the photodetector is preferably an open circuit and
the microcontroller senses a high level (5v) on the position
signal. Conversely, when the light beam between the LED5 and the
photodector LED7 is not interrupted, the photodetector is
preferably a short circuit between the resistor R14 and ground and
the microcontroller senses a low level (.about.0v) on the position
signal.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 30, a blower circuit 60 preferably
includes a C945 transistor Q2 and a blower connector JK2 coupled to
a collector of the transistor Q2. The remaining terminal of the
blower connector JK2 is preferably connected to the 12v power
source. The blower connector JK2 enables the blower motor 35B (not
shown) to be readily coupled thereto.
[0084] The combination of a diode 1N4148 D2 and a 1 k ohm resistor
R2 are preferably connected in series between a heater+blower
signal from pin 1 of the processor U2 and a base of the transistor
Q2. A 47 uF/16v electrolytic capacitor E3 is preferably connected
between a node N1, which is located between the diode D2 and the
resistor R2, and ground. The collector of the transistor Q2 is
preferably also connected to ground.
[0085] When the heater+blower signal from the processor U2 is high,
the transistor Q2 is preferably driven to an on state, which
essentially grounds one terminal of the blower connector JK2 and
permits current to flow through the motor 35B of the blower
assembly 70. Conversely, when the heater+blower signal from the
processor U2 is low and the charge stored in capacitor E3 is
insufficient to maintain transistor Q2 in the on state, the
transistor Q2 is preferably driven to an off state, which
essentially isolates one terminal of the blower connector JK2 and
stops current from flowing through the motor 35B.
[0086] The blower assembly 70 is preferably controlled during a
pulse mode by applying a positive pulse to the heater+blower
signal. The positive pulse is sufficient to charge the capacitor
E3, which maintains transistor Q2 in the on state and keeps the
motor 35B on. However, the positive pulse is preferably
insufficient to activate an NMOSFET U3, which turns the heating
element 45 on, as described in greater detail below.
[0087] Referring again to FIG. 30, a heater circuit 62 preferably
includes a heater connecter JK3, which is coupled to a heating
element 45 (not shown in FIG. 30). One terminal of the heater
connector JK3 is preferably connected to the 12v power source and
the remaining terminal is preferably coupled to the drain of an
enhancement mode n-channel field effect transistor NMOSFET U3,
which is commercially available within a package of two devices as
Part No. SDM4532 from Angus Technology Limited Workshop B, 7/F.,
Capital Trade Centre, No. 62, Tsun Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon,
Hong Kong, China. The source of the NMOSFET U3 is preferably
connected to ground.
[0088] The combination of a 1 k ohm resistor R4 and a 1N4148 diode
D3 is preferably coupled in series between the heater+blower signal
from the processor U2 and a gate of the NMOSFET U3. A capacitor C3
is preferably connected between a node N19, which separates the
resistor R4 and the diode D3, and ground. A 10 k ohm resistor R19
is preferably connected between the gate of the NMOSFET U3 and
ground.
[0089] When the heater+blower signal from the processor U2 is high,
the NMOSFET U3 is preferably driven to an on state, which
essentially grounds one terminal of the heater connector JK3 and
permits current to flow through the heating element 45. Conversely,
when the heater+blower signal from the processor U2 is low, the
NMOSFET U3 is preferably driven to an off state, which essentially
isolates one terminal of the heater connector JK3 and stops current
from flowing through the heating element 45.
[0090] The heating element 45 is preferably controlled during a
level mode by applying a dc level to the heater+fan signal. The dc
level is sufficient to maintain transistor Q2 in the on state and
keep the blower assembly 70 on, as well as turning the NMOSFET U3
on to keep the heating element 45 on. Thus, when the dc level is
being applied during the level mode, both the blower assembly 70
and heating element 45 are on.
[0091] Referring again to FIG. 30, a motor circuit 64 preferably
includes a motor connector JK1, which is coupled to the motor 35A
(not shown in FIG. 30). One terminal of the motor connector JK1 is
preferably connected to the 12v power source and the remaining
terminal of the motor connector JK1 is preferably connected to a
collector of a 2SD965 transistor Q1. The base of the transistor Q1
is preferably connected to a motor signal from pin 14 of the
processor U2 through a 1 k ohm resistor R1 and the emitter of the
transistor Q2 is preferably connected to ground. The collector of
the transistor Q1 is preferably connected to a source of an
enhancement mode p-channel field effect transistor PMOSFET U3
through a 1N4148 diode D1, as well as being connected to a drain of
the PMOSFET U3.
[0092] The motor circuit 64 also includes a C945 transistor Q3, the
collector of which is preferably connected to the source of the
PMOSFET U3 through the series combination of a 10 k ohm resistor
R16 and a 1 k ohm resistor R3. A node N3 separating the resistors
R16 and R3 is preferably connected to a gate of the PMOSFET U3, and
the emitter of the transistor Q3 is preferably connected to
ground.
[0093] The base of the transistor Q3 is preferably coupled to
ground through a 10 k ohm resistor R18 and is preferably coupled to
the collector of an A733 transistor Q4 through a 10 k ohm resistor
R17. The base of the transistor Q4 is preferably connected to the
motor signal from pin 14 of the processor U2 through a 10 k ohm
resistor R9, and the emitter of the transistor Q4 is preferably
coupled to the 5v power source.
[0094] When the motor signal from the processor U2 is high, the
transistor Q1 is preferably driven on, which essentially grounds a
first terminal 116 of the motor connector JK1 and permits current
to flow through the motor 35A. In addition, when the motor signal
is high, the transistor Q4 is off and the transistor Q3 is off.
This open circuits the current path from the 12V power source
through resistors R16, R3 and transistor Q3, which enables the
maximum amount of current flow through the motor 35A. Also, when
transistor Q3 is off, the PMOSFET U3 is off, which isolates the
first and second 116, 118 terminals of the motor 35A across the
PMOSFET U3.
[0095] Conversely, when the motor signal from the processor U2 is
low, the transistor Q1 is preferably off, which essentially
isolates the first terminal 116 of the motor connector JK1 from
ground, which stops current from flowing through the motor 35A. In
addition, when the motor signal is low, the transistor Q4 is
preferably driven on, which drives the transistor Q3 on. This
provides a current path from the 12V power source through resistors
R16, R3 and transistor Q3, which further diverts current flow from
the motor 35A.
[0096] Also, when transistor Q3 is on, the PMOSFET U3 is driven on,
which short circuits the first and second terminals 116, 118 of the
motor 35A through the PMOSFET U3 to ensure that there is
substantially no voltage drop between the first and second motor
terminals 116, 118. Thus, the motor circuit 64 formed in accordance
with the present invention provides at least three mechanisms that
stop the rotation of the motor 35A in response to the motor signal
from the processor U2 as rapidly as possible. Referring again to
FIG. 30, the following Table illustrates the approximate voltage
and resistance values associated with positions shown on FIG. 30
while the motor 35A is either running or stopped: TABLE-US-00002
Table of Voltage and Resistance values at run and stop position of
Motor 35A Position shown in FIG. 30 Run Stop motor signal voltage 5
V 0 V MOSFET impedance high Z short N3 voltage 12 V 1.07 V N6
voltage 0 V 12 V N7 voltage 0 V 0.7 V N8 voltage 0 V 12 V N9
voltage 0.7 V 0 V
[0097] FIG. 31 shows a thermistor R11 preferably coupled in series
with a capacitor C2 between an SNR signal on pin 8 of the
microcontroller U2 and ground. The thermistor R11 exhibits a
determinable change in resistance due to changes in temperature,
and thus the microcontroller U2 preferably uses the SNR signal as
an input to monitor the temperature in the vicinity of the heating
element 45.
[0098] A resistor R10 is preferably coupled in series with the
capacitor C2 between a REF signal on pin 9 of the microcontroller
U2 and ground. The microcontroller U2 preferably uses the REF
signal as a reference for comparison with the SNR signal to cancel
the effect of ambient temperature fluctuations. The microcontroller
U2 preferably charges the capacitor C2 through a CRG signal, which
couples pin 10 of the microcontroller U2 to the capacitor C2. The
microcontroller U2 then monitors the width of the pulse on the SNR
signal, which is dependent on the resistance of the thermistor R11,
to determine the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element
45.
[0099] The operation of the device 43 will now be explained with
reference to the drawings to further describe the present
invention. A user will generally first provide power to the device
43 by plugging a 12V DC power pack into an outlet and connect the
device to the 12V power supply through jack 36 shown in FIG. 5. The
user will next insert a cartridge 42 into the cartridge-receiving
cavity 47 and close the top cover 7. The control unit 73 will now
receive power because the cartridge 42 will depress the electrical
switch 78 (SW1 on FIG. 32) located in the cartridge-receiving
cavity 47. The latch 31 will engage a lip 82 located on the lower
portion 8 of the top cover 7 to initially maintain the device 43 in
a closed position while the disk within the cartridge 42 and the
platter 19 are located at the home position.
[0100] The user will next press the play button 13 on the right
control panel 11 to start both the drive assembly 66 and the blower
assembly 70. Once the platter 19 is rotated from the home position,
the top cover 7 will be locked in the closed position until the
platter 19 returns to the home position. Preferably LED4 on the
play-skip printed circuit board 34 will blink as the disk is
rotating to locate the first scent element over the heater assembly
68 to alert the user that the disk is being rotated. After the
first scent element is located over the heating assembly 68, the
heating element 45 will turn on, and preferably LED4 will go from a
blinking state to a steady on state. The heating element 45 will
generally turn on to a default setting for the intensity level,
which can generally include low, medium, or high. The intensity
level is preferably displayed on the left control panel 10, which
can be selected by pressing button 12. The control unit 73 can be
configured to remember the last intensity level selected by the
user for playing a cartridge 42. Preferably the control unit 73
monitors the temperature of the heating element 45 and pulses the
current to the heating element 45 to maintain the desired intensity
level. The temperature can generally be monitored using a
thermistor R11 as shown on FIG. 31.
[0101] A scent element in the cartridge 42 is generally played for
a play period selected to be long enough for the user to comprehend
and appreciate an aroma while not exceeding an interval of time in
which the user would become desensitized to the aroma, which is
sometimes referred to as "fragrance fatigue" or "habituation." See
U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: US 2002/0068010 A1. The
play period can be in a range from about 15 to 60 minutes, and is
preferably about 30 minutes. The play period is also generally
related to both a time for activating the scent element and a time
for diffusing the activated scent element. Where the activation is
performed by heating the scent element, it has been found that
activation is generally not required through the entire play period
in which the activated scent element will be diffused. Accordingly,
it is preferable to activate the scent element for a shorter period
than the play period selected for diffusing the activated scent
element. The shorter period can be in a range from about 5 to 10
minutes, and is preferably about 8 minutes. For example, when the
play period for diffusing an activated scent element is selected to
be about 30 minutes, a suitable period for activating the element
has been found to be about 22 minutes. This is beneficial in that
it allows the scent element to cool for about 8 minutes before
rotating the disk within the cartridge 42.
[0102] After the play period for diffusing the activated scent
element (generally about 30 minutes) has expired, the control unit
73 will preferably rotate the disk to position the next scent
element over the heating assembly 68. Again, preferably LED4 on the
play-skip printed circuit board 34 will blink as the disk is being
rotated. This process will generally repeat itself until the last
scent element is played. After the last scent element is played,
the control unit 73 will continue to operate the blower assembly 70
while monitoring the temperature. The device 43 will finally rotate
the disk into the home position after the temperature falls below
70 C.
[0103] When a user decides to stop playing a cartridge before all
of the scent elements are played, the user can press the play
button 13 again. The electronic controls will turn the heating
assembly 68 off, and preferably make LED4 blink again. The control
unit 73 will also continue to operate the blower assembly 70 while
monitoring the temperature. Once the temperature falls below 70 C.,
the device 43 will rotate the disk into the home position and turn
off the blower assembly 70 and LED4.
[0104] When a user decides to skip a scent element, the user can
press the skip button 14. The control unit 73 will generally turn
the heating assembly 68 off, and preferably make LED4 blink again.
The control unit 73 will also continue to operate the blower
assembly 70 while rotating the disk to the next position. Once the
next scent element arrives at a position over the heating assembly
68, the normal program will resume. However, if the skip button 14
is pressed when the device 43 is playing the last scent element,
the control unit 73 will operate the device 43 in the same manner
as though the user pressed the play button (stop button) 13 again
as described above to stop the device 43.
[0105] If the device 43 loses power during operation, the control
unit 73 is configured to return the disk to the home position after
power is restored. In addition, the device 43 will go into a
standby mode where the unit has power.
[0106] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and
modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *