Air conditioning odor control apparatus and method

An apparatus and method for introducing a liquid substance into air flowing into an environment includes a main container for containing a reservoir of the liquid substance, and exhaust fan for withdrawing air from within said container to thereby create a negative air pressure condition therein, an air intake port having an upper open end exterior of the container and a lower open end within the container and in close adjacent relationship to a top surface of the reservoir of liquid, and a resupply container connected to the main container and including a pump to resupply liquid to the main container. Operation of the exhaust fan creates an air flow through the air intake port, causing the stream of air exiting the lower open end to impinge upon and agitate the top surface of the liquid, resulting in evaporation of the liquid into the air in the container. The mixture of droplets/vapor and air in the container are removed by the exhaust fan and introduced into a stream of air flowing into a selected environment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for introducing an odor 
neutralizing substance, normally stored in liquid form, into air flowing 
into an environment which is generally closed, such as a closed store or 
room. The invention may be referred to as an odor control system or an 
odor sentry system. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In numerous situations, there is a desire, indeed, often a need, to treat 
gas, particularly air, located in a somewhat confined area in order to 
remove, mask, and/or eliminate offensive odors. One example might be at a 
pet shop located in a strip or group of shops; another example might be in 
a particular location or locations within a hospital environment. 
In the past, in view of these examples and numerous other situations, there 
has developed a crowded art directed toward solution for this long 
outstanding problem. Proposed solutions have ranged from technical, 
expensive and complicated apparatus and systems to the simplest of 
devices, such as a finger operated spray nozzle to release some masking 
odors from a container in a home; more simply, a wick with one end in a 
container of deodorant and a free end exposed to the air in the interior 
space of an automobile have been employed. 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION AND ITS PURPOSE 
This invention is of an improved apparatus and method useful to treat 
odorous air often encountered in confined locations. The apparatus is 
composed of easily assembled inexpensive items which can be relatively 
easily installed and operated. The apparatus and method are effective to 
treat air to neutralize offensive odors; and the apparatus and method are 
different and not obvious as a whole from the many prior apparatuses and 
methods of the prior art which address the problem. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
Representative prior art is discussed generally in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,933 
relating to "A System for Deodorizing And/Or Treating Gas, Particularly A 
System for Deodorizing Gas Escaping From Plumbing Vents." Systems for 
prior art deodorizing and/or treating gas discussed in that patent are 
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,638,402; 1,383,938; 1,034,862; and 810,733. 
Also discussed in that patent is the fact that to treat odors in gasses, 
the gasses have been filtered through copper mesh or metal wool, see U.S. 
Pat. No., 3,638,402. Further, gasses are treated by solid chemical 
material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,383,938 and 810,733. Finally, in 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,034,482, it was taught to generate dry formaldehyde gas by 
vaporizing wood alcohol and the formaldehyde, the product of which is used 
to deodorize sewer gas. 
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
Generally, this invention is of portable components which can be easily 
assembled and installed as an operable apparatus for use in treating 
otherwise odorous or noxious air flow supplied to a somewhat confined area 
and which comprises means for substantially continually introducing a 
correct amount of treating liquid from a main container. The treating 
liquid from the main container is resupplied with replacement amounts of 
the treating liquid from a reservoir, which is included in and operably 
connected in the apparatus. This involves cyclically transferring and 
metering correct replacement amounts of treating fluid from a reservoir or 
storage container to the main apparatus container from which it is 
cyclically or continuously evaporated and introduced into the flow of air 
to the confined area. The invention also involves the disclosed method of 
treating the air supplied to the confined area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The air treatment apparatus is shown generally in FIG. 1. It is composed of 
liquid container means which, as illustrated, includes two tank portions: 
a first or main portion which may be in the form of a relatively large 
drum 7 and a second, supply or reservoir portion which may be in the form 
of a pail 9. The pail 9 is provided preferably with a charging port 
normally closed by cap 12. Adjacent the upper end of the pail 9 and in the 
side wall of it, a U-shaped notch 13 is provided for passage of an 
electrical conductor wire 14 and a tube or supply hose 4 for the purposes 
to be described more fully hereinafter. 
The supply hose 4 constitutes liquid conductor means which interconnects 
the drum 7 and pail 9 of the liquid container means. Within each of these 
elements, the drum 7 and pail 9, of the container means, there is provided 
a supply of odor neutralizing liquid 11, preferably a liquid sold under 
the trademark "OdorMagic," which is an odor neutralizer product of HCI, 
the name of a business which is located at 6574 North State Road 7 in 
Coconut Creek, Fla. 33073. The preferred "OdorMagic" treatment liquid 11 
is odorless yet effective to neutralize noxious odors in air into which it 
is introduced, although some users may prefer it have a faint trace of a 
selected odor such as a pine tree scent. Other types of treatment liquids 
appropriate for the use intended may also be utilized with the instant 
apparatus and method. 
Means are provided to flow replacement amounts of treatment liquid from the 
supply or reservoir portion, i.e., the pail 9, to the main portion or drum 
7. This might be done, for example, by a gravity and metered feed means, 
not shown. For example, the pail may be located above the drum to create a 
head and cause flow through a metering device to replace used amounts 
withdrawn from the drum 7 in use of the apparatus and method. 
In the preferred embodiment shown, the means to flow replacement liquid 
preferably constitutes a pump 10 within the pail 9 which is connected 
electrically by the wire or electrical conductor 14 through a timer 3 to a 
power source generally indicated as at 15. Operation of the pump 
periodically or continually forces resupply liquid in container 9 to flow 
to tank 7 through metering device 8 and tube 5 extending downwardly in 
drum 7. The metering device 8 is also seen in FIG. 3 and is described more 
fully hereinafter. 
The metering device 8 comprises a suitable means to meter a predetermined, 
limited replacement flow volume per given unit of time. As shown, this may 
be in the form of a pressure compensating drip nozzle indicated by the 
numeral 8, see FIG. 3 as well as FIG. 2. Such devices are commercially 
available and widely used in irrigation projects. The purpose of the 
metering means is to continually resupply liquid evaporated from the main 
tank in use of the method, the amount of the resupply being of 
substantially the same volume or amounts corresponding to that used. 
Hence, this constitutes means to maintain substantially the liquid level 
or surface 16 in the tank or drum 7 within a relatively narrow 
intermediate zone 17, that is between an upper zone 18 and a lower zone 
19, of the drum 7. Thus, the liquid level or surface is at a generally 
constant level and in any event within a limited and tight range. The 
means to maintain a relatively constant liquid level in the drum 7 is 
significant in the use of the apparatus and method. 
The drum 7 is provided with a gas intake port means generally indicated by 
the numeral 6, see FIGS. 1 and 2. The port means has a tubular portion 26 
leading generally through the upper zone 18 of tank 7. Also, the tubular 
portion 26 has an exteriorly accessible upper opening 20. The tubular 
portion 26 preferably includes a filter means 21; and it also has a lower 
opening 107 opening to the intermediatezone of the tank 7 or main portion. 
Significantly, this opening 107 is closely adjacent the intermediate zone 
and at all times is little distance above the liquid surface 16. 
In the lid 22 of the drum 7, there is provided an exhaust opening 23 
through which air mixed with evaporated treatment liquid is withdrawn by a 
blower means or fan 2. The gas or air, which has been treated by its 
impinging flow on the liquid surface at the juncture of the intermediate 
zone 17 and lower zone 19 and subsequent swirling of it within the upper 
zone 18 of the drum 7, is a mixture of air and treatment material. It is 
discharged into a duct system 1 providing air flow to a generally closed 
area. Indeed, if desired, it may be introduced directly into a closed area 
instead of through an air duct. 
Electrical circuit means are provided to interconnect the blower means or 
fan 2 to a power source, such as that indicated by the numeral 15. This 
circuit means portion is designated by the numeral 25. Also, a circuit 
means portion 14 interconnects the pump 10 and timer 3 to the power source 
15, in the event this illustrated embodiment is employed. This is 
effective to intermittently operate the pump as required to deliver a 
resupply liquid flow to the pressure compensating drip nozzle 8, as shown 
in detail in FIG. 3; this nozzle will be described following the brief 
description of the use of the invention in the following paragraph. 
In use, the drum 7 holds a supply of liquid odor neutralizing liquid; and 
the pail 9 holds a resupply of the liquid. A pump 10 in the pail 9 or 
container means portion periodically pumps a resupply amount of odor 
neutralizing liquid corresponding to the amount periodically used in 
operation of the method and apparatus through a hose 4 into the larger 
drum 7 through a supply hose 5 in the drum 7. The resupply is sufficient 
to correspond to and to replace that amount removed from drum 7. The pump 
10 is controlled by a timer 3 which activates the pump for predetermined 
time intervals as required, for example, once every few hours up to 12 or 
24 hours. The resupply is sufficient to maintain the liquid level 
substantially constant. The air intake tube with a filter 21, which 
extends down through the top of the larger drum 7, terminates at the open 
end 107 adjacent the surface of the liquid odor neutralizing substance 11 
contained in the drum 7. The space between the opening 107 and the liquid 
surface 16 is thus maintained relatively constant, that is within a tight 
range. The centrifugal fan is preferably threadably connected to the top 
or lid 22 of the large drum 7. A flexible duct 1 may be provided. It 
connects to the output of the centrifugal duct fan 2 connecting the 
treated air output to either the air conditioning return plenum or 
directly to an air vent into a room or confined area. In short, the duct 
fan 2 draws air from within the drum 7 and forces it through the flexible 
duct 1 for delivery to the air conditioning system, or other air outlet, 
after air has been drawn through the top end of the air intake tube 6 to 
impinge upon the surface 16 of the liquid odor neutralizer substance 11 
immediately after exiting the opening 107, all as indicated by the 
directional arrows in FIG. 2. The close impingement of the air flow on or 
about the liquid surface 16 causes agitation of the liquid, at the 
surface, and evaporation, as well as some concentration of fine droplets 
in the air flow leading to the fan. 
In summary, if the fan means 2 operates continuously during a given time 
period, say for 12 or 24 hours, then the surface level of the liquid 16 
would descend a slight level from the lower opening 107 of the inlet pipe 
6. The timer for the pump will be set to replace the liquid which is used 
raising the level of the surface so that it remains relatively constant 
and close to the open end 107. Optimally, the liquid level 16 will remain 
at a constant level by simultaneous operation of the fan and means to 
maintain the liquid level. In a somewhat less efficient mode, the level 16 
will be as shown in FIG. 2, that is at the lower level of the intermediate 
zone and the liquid which has been used is then replaced to raise the 
level 16 toward, but not to, the level of the open end 107. This structure 
which is employed to carry out this concept broadly is defined to be means 
to maintain the liquid level 16 substantially constant at the most 
efficient spacing of the end 107 above the liquid level 16, i.e., the 
location at which gurgling noise just ceases as the tube end 107 is 
withdrawn upwardly. The zone between a) the liquid level 16 and b) the 
open end 107 of tube 6 which is sufficient is defined as the intermediate 
zone. 
In the preferred embodiment, the previously mentioned pressure compensating 
drip nozzle 8, see FIG. 3, is used to control or meter the rate at which 
the liquid is replenished in the larger drum 7 from the pail 9. Referring 
now to FIG. 3, the pressure compensating drip nozzle 8 is shown. It is a 
commercially available item which includes a nose portion 101 to connect 
to the end of the supply tube 4 as well as a foot 102 to connect to the 
hose 5. Between the portions 101 and 102, there is a pressure compensating 
drip nozzle means portion and a shoulder 106 which is connected in 
assembly about the opening 31 of the lid 22. This permits drip passage of 
replenishing liquid at a predetermined rate until a predetermined volume 
has passed therethrough over a give time period. Thus, in use, once the 
apparatus is installed, the amount of treatment liquid which evaporates in 
a given period of time from the drum 7 will be replaced. In this manner, 
from the reservoir pail 9, a resupply is provided to maintain the liquid 
level 16 in a tight range, that is at a relatively constant level. Once 
installed, there may be a periodic, weekly or monthly, resupply charged 
into the pail 7 of the system. 
Generally, the system should be located relatively close to an air 
conditioner return and near a standard grounded electrical outlet or power 
source. The liquid, preferably OdorMagic, and water are introduced into 
the container means in a preferred concentration after being mixed well. 
The centrifugal fan 2 upon being energized in a grounded outlet with a 
suitable switch may be energized. Of course, as is conventional, the pump 
is primed. This may be done by holding the end of a polyvinyl hose over 
the opening in the reservoir drum and operating the pump using a manual 
switch on a timer. This is shut off when all the air has been bled from it 
which usually requires about 15 seconds. The end of the polyvinyl hose 4 
is then attached to the valve included in the pressure compensating drip 
nozzle 8, which is commercially available and of the type often used in 
irrigation systems, with the pressure compensating drip nozzle 8 being 
inserted into the lid 22 of the evaporation drum. When the centrifugal fan 
has been turned on and the air intake tube at its lower end 107 is 
positioned just above the liquid level 16. 
Correct positioning of the lower end 107 is accomplished by a first step of 
gradual movement of it toward the liquid level 16 which causes a gurgling 
noise increasing intensity and, as a next step, a withdrawal characterized 
by a gradual loss of the gurgling noise until it is inaudible. 
In a preferred embodiment, the duct is a 4" flexible type while the duct 
fan is conventional. Preferably, a conventional heavy duty 24 hour timer 3 
is utilized and, also, the polyvinyl or polyethylene supply hoses are of 
1/4" OD. A 2" polyvinyl chloride air intake tube is provided as at 26 and 
preferably a commercially available filter cap indicated by the numeral 21 
is provided. In use, it has been found that a 20-gallon evaporation drum 
constitutes a satisfactory embodiment while a 12-gallon reserve pail is 
suitable for four week renewal cycles. The pump 10 is of the submersible 
type, 1/100 to 1/150 horsepower is inadequate. Finally, it is recommended 
that the evaporization drum 7 and the reservoir or pail 9 be emptied and 
sanitized twice a year or generally at six month intervals. 
While this invention and method of using the apparatus described are 
illustrated in a preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures 
can be made as indicated in the written materials contained herein or 
within the scope of the knowledge of those skilled in the art; and, 
therefore, the overall combination of the apparatus and method should not 
be limited except by the claims and the doctrine of equivalents to accord 
the full scope of protection.