Active material and light emitting device

An active material and light emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.

Not applicable

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the integrated presentation of ambient conditions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the controlled and coordinated emission of light and an active material, into a given area, such as a room, from a single device.

2. Description of the Background of the Invention

Because of their wide array of shapes and sizes, as well as the seemingly limitless number of available scents, few things are quite as versatile at setting the ambience in an area as scented candles. Scented candles are not without drawbacks, however. For example, dripping wax can damage furniture and the skin and, in the extreme, an open flame can lead to a structure fire.

To account for the common problems associated with candles, electronic lighting devices that have a flickering candle appearance, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,972 and 6,066,924, are generally known in the art. In the '972 patent, two side-by-side lamps are alternatingly turned on and off at such frequencies that a flickering is perceived. Similarly, the '924 patent discloses circuitry used to control two light bulbs in close proximity to each other such that the bulbs flicker. Moreover, the circuitry and bulbs of the '924 patent are contained within a container of a size and shape similar to common flat candles. While these patents may suggest devices that mimic the visual aesthetics of a candle, they fail to provide the scented candle experience, i.e., they fail to emit fragrance in addition to light.

Fragrance dispensers are also generally known. For example, it is known to emit fragrance from an aerosol container upon the activation of a trigger by a user. Also, other methods utilize the evaporative properties of liquids, or other vaporizable materials, to cause vapors with desired properties to be distributed into the ambient air. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,779 discloses a glass container containing a fluid into which two rigid porous nylon wicks extend. The wicks contact a rigid plastic porous element. In use, the wicks transport the fluid from the glass container to the ambient air. As a further example of air fresheners, the art is also generally aware of atomizer assemblies for releasing fragrance from a wick that draws fragrant liquid from a reservoir. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,196 and commonly assigned and copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/412,911, filed Apr. 14, 2003, both discussed in detail below, disclose such assemblies. These references are hereby incorporated by reference. Although these representative devices provide fragrance emission, they do not provide the visual aesthetic of a candle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a light and active material emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a light and active material emitting device comprises a housing and an ultrasonic atomizer assembly disposed within the housing. The active material and light emitting device further includes a light emission device disposed within the housing, wherein the light emission device is disposed below the ultrasonic atomizer assembly. A light control device is disposed adjacent the light emission device such that light emitted from the light emission device is reflected by the light control device. Further, a diffuser is disposed over at least a portion of the housing to diffuse the light reflected by the light control device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a light and active material emitting device comprises a housing including a spring finger disposed on a top surface thereof and a light emission device disposed within the housing. The active material and light emitting device further includes an ultrasonic atomizer assembly disposed within the housing above the light emission device and a cover portion disposed over the housing, wherein the cover portion includes an annular ring extending from an inner surface thereon.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

Throughout the FIGS., like or corresponding reference numerals have been used for like or corresponding parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a device that emits both light and an active material. Preferably, the present invention provides a single device that mimics both the visual and olfactory aesthetic of a scented candle, without an open flame and with an improved fragrance delivery system.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes emission of an active material, preferably a fragrance, and much of the discussion below will be with regard to emission of a fragrance, we also contemplate that the dispenser may alternatively dispense other substances, such as a disinfectant, a sanitizer, an insecticide, an insect repellant an insect attractant, air purifiers, aromatherapy, scents, antiseptics, odor eliminators, air-fresheners, deodorizers, and other active ingredients that are usefully dispersed into the air. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, other active ingredients can be introduced to the ambient environment via dispensers in much the same way as fragrances.

As generally seen in the FIGS., preferred embodiments of the present invention include a device for emitting light and an active material. The device preferably includes an electrically-powered light source, an active material dispenser, a power source, control circuitry, and a support structure. All of these components work together to provide a fragrant aroma and the appearance of a flickering flame, the flickering effect being provided by the electrically-powered light source.

Light Source

The light source is an electrically-powered light emitting device. The light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LED's). Particularly, inFIGS. 1-7a single LED106or206is used, while inFIGS. 8A-8C, the light source includes LED's306a,306b. Other conventional lighting devices (including, for example, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, etc.) may alternatively be used as the light source.

As is generally understood, LED's offer various features not found in other conventional lighting devices. In particular, as is well known in the art, by manipulating the duty cycle of an LED, light emitted from the LED can be controlled. For example, light can be emitted at perceptible intermittencies, or it can be emitted such that it is perceived to be continually emitted. Moreover, increasing the duty cycle of an LED will increase the intensity of light emitted and/or the perceived color.

In the embodiments in which a single LED is used, the LED is controlled to have a varying intensity, thereby providing a flickering effect. When two LED's are used, as inFIGS. 8A-8C, the two LED's306a,306bare preferably arranged one above the other, i.e., the LED306ais on a side of the LED306bopposite to a base of the light and fragrance emitting device300. Preferably, the upper LED306ais controlled to emit light at a perceivable intermittence, while the lower LED306bis controlled such that light is perceived to be emitted continuously. In this fashion, the LED's306a,306bwork to create a flicker effect. When, for example, a conventional candle is lit, the base of the flame is steady, while the portion of the flame further from the wick appears to flicker. The present arrangement of the LED's306a,306bmimics this visual characteristic. It is preferred that LED's having a yellowish or amber hue be used. Specifically, it is preferred that the LED's used have a wavelength of emission in the range of from approximately 580 nanometers to approximately 600 nanometers, and it is even more preferred that the LED's used have a wavelength of emission in the range of from approximately 585 nanometers to approximately 595 nanometers. Optionally, the LED's306a,306bmay be positioned side-by-side instead of one above the other. Still optionally, one or both of the LED's306a,306bmay be white and a color or image filter may be disposed over the LED to project an image or a color therefrom.

Of course, we anticipate modifications to the light source of our preferred embodiment. For example, more than two LED's can be used, perhaps, to create the perception of a larger flame. Also, LED's of many colors are known and could be used, for example to more closely resemble a flame by using hues that are reddish, orangish, and/or yellowish. The colors can also be made to change, for example, using RGB LED's. By so varying the types of LED's used, as well as their arrangement, numerous aesthetics can be obtained, including varied colored shows, colored flames, and colored flickers. And, by adjusting the duty cycles of the LED's, the brightness of the light may also be reduced or intensified, as dictated by design preference.

Moreover, when multiple LED's are used, it is not required that one LED provide a perceptibly constant light emission while the other LED306aprovides a flicker effect. One or both may be held perceptibly constant and one or both may emit flickering light. (It would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that when using pulse-width modulation to control one or more LED's perceptibly constant and flicking lights are likely both being flickered at a high frequency imperceptible to an observer. Flickering and constant light should be understood herein to refer to perceived effects.)

Active Material Dispenser

An active material dispenser is preferably provided integrally with the present invention. The active material dispenser preferably holds a replaceable container, or reservoir, having an active material in any one of a number of conventional forms, including gel and liquid forms. The active material may be vaporized by the application of heat and emanated from the device. In such a case, the dispenser may have a controllable heating device to vary the rate at which vapor is driven from the fragrance or a mechanical controller for controlling the airflow around the fragrance to be vaporized (such as a shield or fan).

While active material dispensers are generally well known, a preferred active material dispenser is a wick-based emanation system. More preferably, the active material dispenser uses an atomizer to emanate the active material from the wick. Such an arrangement is shown inFIGS. 13 and 14.

Specifically, the evaporative active material dispenser4comprises an atomizer assembly including an orifice plate462, and a replaceable reservoir326. The reservoir326is replaceable and contains an active material in the form of a fluid. A wick464is disposed in the reservoir326. The wick464operates by capillary action to transfer liquid from within the reservoir326. The reservoir326is preferably removable by a user and may be replaced with another reservoir326(for example, when the fluid is exhausted or when a different type of fluid is desired). When replaced in this manner, the wick464transfers fluid from the reservoir326.

In addition to including the orifice plate462, the atomizer assembly further comprises at least one resilient, elongated wire-like support466shaped to resiliently support the lower surface of the orifice plate462and a spring housing468. A spring470, contained within the spring housing468, resiliently presses on the upper surface of the orifice plate462. Rather than pressing on the orifice plate462directly, the spring470may alternatively, or additionally, press on a member, such as an actuator element472(made of, for example, piezoelectric ceramic material, which is connected to the orifice plate462. Together, the wire-like support466and the spring470hold the orifice plate462in place in a manner that allows the orifice plate462to move up and down against the resilient bias of the wire-like support466.

The actuator element472is preferably annularly shaped and the orifice plate462is preferably circular. The orifice plate462extends across and is soldered or otherwise affixed to the actuator element472. Constructions of vibrator-type atomizer assemblies are described, for example, in Helf et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,474, Denen et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,196, Martin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,732, Tomkins et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,522, Martens, III et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,419, Helf et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,988, and Boticki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,430, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Accordingly, the atomizer assembly will not be described in detail except to say that when alternating voltages are applied to the opposite upper and lower sides of the actuator element472, these voltages produce electrical fields across the actuator element472and cause it to expand and contract in radial directions. This expansion and contraction is communicated to the orifice plate462causing it to flex such that a center region thereof vibrates up and down. The center region of the orifice plate462is domed slightly upwardly to provide stiffness and to enhance atomization. The center region is also formed with a plurality of minute tapered orifices that extend through the orifice plate462from the lower or under surface of the orifice plate462to its

In operation, electrical power, in the form of high frequency alternating voltages, is applied to the opposite upper and lower sides of the actuator element472, as described above. A suitable circuit for producing these voltages is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,196, noted above. As described in that patent, the device may be operated during successive on and off times. The relative durations of these on and off times can be adjusted by an external switch actuator (not shown) on the outside of the housing and coupled to a switch element on the microcontroller. In other embodiments, the on and off times may be controlled by a preset program, or controlled by a user interface working through a processor, such as a user control.

When the atomizer assembly is supported by the wire-like support466, the orifice plate462is positioned in contact with the upper end of the wick464. The atomizer assembly is thereby supported above the liquid reservoir326such that the upper end of the wick464touches the underside of the orifice plate462. Thus, the wick464delivers liquid from within the liquid reservoir326by capillary action to the top of the wick464and then by surface tension contact to the underside of the orifice plate462, which, upon vibration, causes the liquid to pass through its orifices and be ejected from its opposite side (i.e., the upper surface) in the form of small droplets.

In one embodiment, a horizontal platform serves as a common structural support for both the reservoir326and the atomizer assembly. In this manner, the reservoir326, and, in particular, the upper end of the wick464disposed therein, are aligned with the orifice plate462. Moreover, because the atomizer assembly and the orifice plate462are resiliently mounted, the upper end of the wick464will always press against the under surface of the orifice plate462and/or the actuator element472irrespective of dimensional variations which may occur due to manufacturing tolerances when one reservoir326is replaced by another. This is because if the wick464contained in the replacement reservoir326is higher or lower than the wick464of the original liquid reservoir326, the action of the spring470will allow the orifice plate462to move up and down according to the location of the wick464in the replacement reservoir326, so that the wick464will press against the underside of the orifice plate462and/or the actuator element472. It will be appreciated that the wick464preferably is formed of a substantially solid, dimensionally stable material so that it will not become overly deformed when pressed against the underside of the resiliently supported orifice plate462. The features of the horizontal platform on which the atomizer is disposed will be discussed further below.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the wick464extends from inside the liquid reservoir326up through a plug474in the top of the reservoir326to contact the orifice plate462and/or the actuator element472. (The plug474holds the wick464within the liquid reservoir326.) The wick464has longitudinally extending capillary passageways that draw liquid up from within the reservoir326to the upper end of the wick464. In lieu of the capillary wick464, we envision that a capillary member (not shown) may alternatively be used. Such a member generally includes plural capillary passageways on an exterior surface thereof. These passageways act, via capillary action, to transfer fragrance from the liquid reservoir326to the orifice plate462and/or the actuator element472.

A more detailed explanation of the atomization device described above may be found in commonly assigned Martens et al. U.S. Publication No. 2004/0200907. In addition, a more detailed explanation of the support structure for the atomizing device may be found in commonly assigned Helf et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,193. The disclosure of the '907 publication and the '913 patent are hereby incorporated by reference.

Of course, other active material emitting devices may be used in addition to the atomizer assembly. Specifically, we envision that evaporation devices, heat-assisted evaporation devices, and fan-assisted evaporation devices, among others, could be used in addition to the piezoelectrically actuated atomization device described above. Moreover, even within each type of dispenser, variations are possible, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Power Source

The power source supplies power to light the light source, and if required, to operate the active material dispenser (for example, to supply voltages to the upper and lower surfaces of the actuator plate in the atomization-type active material dispenser discussed above). Also, the power source may be used to power additional components (although not shown, these additional components may include, e.g., a fan). In a preferred embodiment, the power source comprises one or more batteries. When one battery is used, a voltage step-up may be used to ensure sufficient power. The batteries may be replaceable, or they may be rechargeable. If rechargeable batteries are used, they may be removed for recharging, or an adapter may be provided on the device such that the batteries can be charged without being removed from the device. For instance, a receptacle (not shown) may be incorporated into the device to receive a plug that supplies power from, for example, an electrical outlet. It is not required, however, that the power source comprises batteries. For example, power for the device may be derived directly from an electrical outlet. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill, however, the use of alternate power sources may require that the device further include an AC to DC converter.

Control Circuitry

As used throughout, the term “control circuitry” is intended to be a representative term that encompasses all controls that can be used to embody the light and active material emitting device. For example, the preferred embodiments are discussed below with reference to microcontrollers and/or circuit boards, and microcontrollers and circuit boards constitute control circuitry. Further contemplated examples of control circuitry that may be used are an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, and an arrangement of one or more resistors and/or capacitors. Control circuitry may or may not include software. These examples of control circuitry are not limiting, however. Other control circuitry may also be used.

The control circuitry is generally used to control the operation of the device and is powered by the batteries. Specifically, the control circuitry is designed to provide the signals for controlling the operation of the light source. When one or more LED's are provided as the light source, the microcontroller may alter the duty cycles of the LED's to control the perceived intensity of the emitted light, thereby creating the candle-like flicker effect. Alternatively, instead of altering the duty cycles, the microcontroller may otherwise adjust the light emission properties of the LED's. For example, methods utilizing an analog sine wave or a digital potentiometer are generally known in the art. In other embodiments, when at least two LED's are used, as inFIGS. 8A-8C, and one LED306breceives a constant current to emit light constantly, that LED306bcan be controlled separately from a circuit board, either to receive a power supply from the power source, when the device is turned on, or to not receive power, when the device is turned off. In other words, when one LED306bconstantly emits light, it is not necessary to provide means for adjusting the duty cycle thereof (such as the microcontroller). In this case, the microcontroller may adjust the operation of only the LED's that flicker. In other embodiments the constant emission LED may be controlled by pulse-width modulation set by the microcontroller such that the frequency of the pulse-width is imperceptible to an observer. In this manner, the intensity of the constant emission LED may be varied slightly to add to the overall flicker presentation.

The microcontroller may include circuits for converting power from the batteries to the high-frequency alternating voltages required to expand and to contract the actuator member472, thereby emitting active material from the active material dispenser4. In addition, the microcontroller may control a fan and/or a heating element, if such are used. Furthermore, the microcontroller may include controls for automatically turning on and or off one or both of the light source and the active material dispenser.

Support Structure

A support structure is provided to support the light source, the active material emitter or atomizer assembly, the power source, and the microcontroller, or some combination thereof. The term “support structure” is intended to encompass any and all of a chassis, a housing, a holder, and a base, as those terms are used in the description below, as well as similar structures used to support or contain the features of device.

Embodiments of the Light and Active Material Emitting Device

Having now generally described the components of the present invention, discussion will now be made of various embodiments of a light and active material emitting device. These embodiments include various novel arrangements of the above-described components, as well as additional features.

The first embodiment is depicted inFIGS. 1-5and. As seen best inFIGS. 2 and 3a chassis102is provided that comprises a chassis cover102a, a chassis upper portion102b, and a chassis lower portion102c. Disposed on the chassis102are two batteries118, a wick-based atomizer assembly108, a single LED106, and two printed circuit boards114,116. Each of two microcontrollers110,112are disposed on the circuit boards114,116. As shown, the chassis cover102aand the chassis upper portion102bare joinable to form a cavity therebetween, and the chassis lower portion102cdepends downwardly from a bottom of the chassis upper portion102b. In this embodiment, the atomizer assembly108, the LED106, the microcontrollers110,112, and the printed circuit boards114,116are disposed within the cavity formed between the chassis cover102aand the chassis upper portion102b. Electrical contacts122, which the batteries118contact to supply the device100with power are disposed on the lower portion102cof the chassis102, with batteries118disposed in contact with the electrical contacts122.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5, the batteries118are removably securable to the lower portion102cof the chassis102. A battery retainer120may also be provided to aid in maintaining attachment of the batteries118to the chassis102. When the batteries118are to be detached from the chassis102, the retainer120must first be removed. Also in this embodiment, an entryway (not shown) is formed in the bottom of the upper portion102bof the chassis102, proximate to the atomizer assembly108, so that a reservoir126containing a liquid to be atomized may be easily removed from, and reattached to, the atomizer assembly108. Accordingly, this arrangement provides a user with access to the batteries118and to the reservoir126(for example, to enable changing the batteries118and the reservoir126), but the remaining components are maintained within the cavity formed between the chassis cover102aand the chassis upper portion102b, reducing the possibility of contact with, and possible damage to, those components.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, in the first embodiment, a protrusion, or tip124extends axially upwardly the top of the chassis cover102a. Preferably, the LED106is disposed within the tip124, such that light emitted from the LED106is diffused by, and transmitted through, the tip124. As depicted inFIG. 2, the tip124is a separate component of the device100, disposed within an aperture formed through the top of the chassis102. The tip124may also be formed integrally with the chassis102. By making the tip124a separate piece, however, the tip124may be replaceable, e.g., with other, differently constructed, or colored, tips. In the case of a colored tip, the LED106may be a white LED in order to transmit light in the color of the colored tip. Also, a separate tip124may be formed of a material other than that used for the chassis. For example, the tip124may be formed of a material through which light is transmitted, e.g., plastic, glass, wax, and the like. Additionally the tip124may be formed of a material such that the tip124continues to glow, even after the LED106is shut off.

Apertures other than that formed for insertion of the tip124may also be formed in the chassis102a. For example, an emissive aperture136is preferably formed through a top surface of the chassis102, above the atomizer assembly108, such that the active material emitted by the atomizer passes through the emissive aperture136, into the ambient environment. Furthermore, apertures may be formed in the chassis102, through which switches are disposed. For example, an emitter controlling switch cover128(that cooperates with a slidable switch (not-shown)), in communication with the microcontroller112that controls the timing of the duty cycle applied to the atomizer assembly108, may be provided to enable a user to manually adjust an amount of active material emitted. In this manner, the user can optimize the emission amount, based on outside considerations, such as room size, and the like. Furthermore, an on/off switch or button130may also be provided in an aperture formed through the chassis102, to turn one or both of the LED106and the atomizer108on and off. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, an on/off toggle switch130that is electrically connected to the LED108, is disposed in an aperture through the top surface of the chassis102, thereby enabling a user to turn the LED108on and off. Although not shown, a similar toggle switch, a push button, or the like, may also be provided for turning the atomizer assembly108on and off. In other embodiments, the chassis102may have exposed section, such that apertures need not be formed.

The chassis102, with attached components, is preferably detachably engageable with a base, or cup134. The engagement of the chassis102with the base134forms a unitary housing in which the atomizer assembly108, reservoir126, batteries118, and controls are disposed. The base134is generally cylindrical, including a sidewall and a bottom surface and the top of the base is open. The upper portion102bof the chassis102is also generally cylindrical, with an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the base134. By lowering the chassis102into the base134, the lower portion102cof the chassis102becomes disposed within the base134, and the upper portion102bof the chassis102is disposed proximate to the open top of the base134. The unitary housing thus formed has the appearance of a cylinder, with a tip protruding axially upwardly from approximately a central portion of the top of the cylinder.

While one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there are many ways for removably engaging the chassis with respect to the base, a preferred method of engagement for this embodiment is described as follows. A substantially C-shaped receptacle is formed on the lower portion of the chassis102and a protrusion extends axially upwardly from the bottom surface of the base134. When the chassis102is lowered into the base134, the C-shaped receptacle of the lower portion102cof the chassis102receives therein the protrusion formed in the base134. In this way, proper alignment of the chassis102within the base134is achieved. Moreover, as should be understood, because the chassis102and the base134each has a cylindrical footprint and the protrusion and C-shaped receptacle are positioned on respective axes, the chassis102is easily attached to the base134regardless of the rotational orientation of the chassis102with respect to the base134.

Preferably, the dimensions of the chassis102and base134combination are anywhere from between approximately one inch and approximately six inches in diameter and preferably anywhere from between approximately one inch and approximately six inches in height. Of course, the dimensions may be larger or smaller, depending on the desired aesthetic. Also, because as described above at least a portion of the flickering LED106is disposed within the tip124, the tip124has the appearance of a conventional candle flame. All or a portion of the rest of the device100may also be light transmissive. Light transmissive materials that may be used include glass, plastic, wax, and the like. Furthermore, by moving the LED within the tip, a more realistic perception of a conventional candle may be obtained.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, the combination of the chassis102and base134, as a result of their likeness to a conventional candle, may be provided to a consumer to be used with existing votive holders for conventional candles. Alternatively, the device can be embodied in the combination of chassis102and base134with holder104(as shown inFIG. 4). Furthermore, it should also be understood that the chassis102may be designed to stand alone, i.e., without the base. For example, the lower portion102cof the chassis102may be designed to enable the entire chassis102to stand on its own.

A second embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7. This embodiment includes many of the same components as discussed above with respect to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

According to this second embodiment, a chassis202(different from the chassis102of the first embodiment) is provided. An atomizer assembly208, an LED206, two circuit boards, a microcontroller, and a battery218are disposed on the chassis202. As illustrated, the chassis202includes a top202a, an upper portion202b, disposed below the top202a, and a lower portion202c, disposed below the upper portion202b. The atomizer assembly208is arranged on the upper portion202bof the chassis202, and a reservoir226containing a fluid to be atomized by the atomizer assembly208is removably matable to the atomizer assembly208. The lower portion202cof the chassis202is disposed sufficiently below the upper portion202bof the chassis202so as to facilitate removal and replacement of the reservoir226. The lower portion preferably includes an inner cavity in which the controls, i.e., circuit board(s) and microcontroller(s) (not shown), are disposed.

The LED206is disposed proximate to a top surface of the lower portion202cof the chassis202. More specifically, the LED206of this embodiment is disposed on a circuit board disposed within the inner cavity of the lower portion202cof the chassis202. An aperture is formed through a top of the lower portion202cof the chassis202, and at least a portion of the LED206protrudes through the aperture. The battery218is disposed below the lower portion of the chassis202. As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, electrical leads and the like may be necessary for communication between the battery218, the controls, the LED206, and the atomizer assembly208.

As shown inFIG. 7, the chassis202is removably placeable within a base234. The base234is generally cylindrical, with a bottom surface (not shown) and an open top. The chassis202is received in the base234through the open top. The chassis202and the base234, when the chassis202is placed in the base234, form a unitary housing in which the LED208, an active material emitter236, the controls, and the battery218are disposed. Preferably, the chassis202and the base234are configured such that the top surface of the chassis202is disposed within the open top of the base, and the housing formed by the combination of the chassis202and the base234resembles a conventional pillar candle.

Similar to the first embodiment, the housing of the second embodiment also preferably includes an emission aperture aligned with the atomizer assembly208. Specifically, because in this embodiment the atomizer is arranged below the top202aof the chassis202, the emission aperture236is formed through the top202aof the chassis202. In this manner, liquid atomized within the housing may be released into the ambient environment.

Again, similar to the first embodiment, means are also provided for adjusting the amount of active material emitted by the emitter208and for turning the LED206on and off. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, a slidable switch228, in communication with the microcontroller that controls the atomizer assembly208, is disposed on the lower portion202cof the chassis202. The slidable switch228is manually adjustable between multiple positions to regulate the frequency at which the atomizer assembly208emits the substance contained in the reservoir226. In addition, a push button230is disposed on the top202aof the chassis202for turning the LED206on an off.

As will be appreciated from the FIGS., because the controls, i.e., the circuit boards and microcontroller, associated with the atomizer assembly208and the LED206are disposed within the lower portion202cof the chassis202, and the atomizer assembly208and the push button230are disposed proximate to the top202aof the chassis202, electrical wires are provided to convey controls from the lower portion202cof the chassis202to the atomizer280, and a post252is provided for transmitting the actuation of the push button230disposed on the top202aof the chassis202to a switch on the circuit board that turns the LED206on and off. In a similar regard, as it may also be beneficial to have the slider switch228for adjusting emission of the fluid contained in the reservoir226disposed on the top of the housing (for example, for ease of access for the user), it may also be necessary to provide a mechanical, an electrical, and/or an electromechanical means for connecting the slider switch and the appropriate controls.

According to this second embodiment, a light and substance emitting device200is provided. Preferably, as mentioned above, the housing (i.e., the combined chassis202and base234) of the device200is configured and sized to resemble a conventional pillar candle. As should be understood, since the LED206emitting the flickering light is disposed within the housing, much of the light will be transmitted through the sidewall of the base234. Accordingly, at least a portion of the base234should be light transmissive. In addition, at least a portion of the chassis202may also be light transmissive. To these ends, all or a portion of the chassis202and/or the base234may be formed of one or more of glass, plastic, wax, and the like.

Variations of this second embodiment are also contemplated. For example, while the holder234is generally cylindrical, such is not required. Rectangular, square, and a myriad of other shapes and sizes are contemplated. In addition, while the chassis202is inserted through a top of the base234, such is not required. For example, the base may be open at the bottom, such that the base is slid over the chassis202, or the base234and chassis202may be integrally formed, with access panels for replacing the reservoir226, battery218, and the like.

A third embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS. 8A-8C,9, and10. In this embodiment a light and active material emitting device300includes a chassis302comprising a chassis cover302aand a chassis base302bwhich together form a cavity that encases each of two LED's306a,306b, an active material emitter308, two batteries318, and a printed circuit board with microcontroller310. The LED's306a,306bare connected either directly or indirectly to both of the batteries318and the microcontroller310. In this embodiment, the LED's306a,306bare preferably located substantially centrally with respect to a top surface of the device, and above the active material emitter308, the batteries318, and the microcontroller310, i.e., on a side of the active material emitter308, the batteries318, and the microcontroller310opposite to the chassis base302b. At least a portion of the LED's306a,306bare preferably located above a top surface of the chassis cover302a. By placing the LED's306a,306babove the other components in this manner, the emission of light is not impeded by these components, so shadows are substantially prevented, and a more realistic-looking flame is created.

The chassis302of the embodiments ofFIGS. 8A-8Cpreferably includes a horizontal platform342(preferably disposed on the chassis base302b) for aligning the active material emitter308within the chassis302. The platform342preferably has a platform aperture344therethrough with one or more cutouts346formed on a periphery of the platform aperture344. Preferably, the replaceable reservoir326comprises one or more nubs348(one corresponding to each of the cutouts346formed in the platform342) formed on the reservoir326. To insert a reservoir326, a portion of the reservoir326is passed through the platform aperture344of the platform342, with the nubs348passing through the cutouts346. Once the nubs348clear the cutouts346, the reservoir326is rotated such that the nubs348rest on the upper surface of the platform342. Also, as discussed above, attached to the top of the platform342is the wire like-support466(not shown inFIGS. 8A-8C) that supports the atomizer assembly308.

Further, inner surfaces of the chassis302may contain various protrusions. These protrusions are preferably provided to aid in properly aligning various components within the chassis302and/or to protect components within the chassis302. For example, a vertical protrusion350(shown inFIG. 8C) partitions an area for containing the fragrance emitter308from an area having the microcontroller310. In this fashion, the microcontroller310is not accessible when the reservoir326is replaced, and, accordingly, inadvertent damage to, or accidental contamination of, the microcontroller310is averted.

The chassis cover302ais designed such that it can be placed on the chassis base302b, thus forming a unitary device300. A protrusion or tip324is preferably disposed approximately centrally on the chassis cover302a. The tip324extends generally axially, in a direction away from the chassis base302band forms a cavity in which the LED's306a,306bare disposed when the chassis cover302ais placed on the chassis base302b. (As discussed above, the LED's306a,306bare preferably arranged one on top of the other.) The tip324is substantially conical in shape and is preferably made of a material that diffuses the light emitted by the LED's306a,306b. However, it may be desirable to alter the shape of the protrusion, when, for example, more than two LED's are used, or the housing is relatively wide. For instance, the tip324may be more dome-shaped when a wider tip324is used with a wide device300(so as to keep the tip324relatively close to the chassis302).

The tip324is preferably between approximately one-eighth of one inch and approximately three inches high and between approximately one-eighth of one inch and approximately three inches wide. The remainder of the device300is preferably between about two inches and about ten inches high and preferably between about one and one-half inches and about six inches wide. Thus configured, the device300can substantially take on the size and shape of various conventional candles, while the tip324, by encapsulating the LED's306a,306b, simulates a flame.

The chassis cover302aalso includes an emission aperture336therethrough. When the chassis cover302ais placed on the chassis base302b, the emission aperture336aligns with the active material emitter308. In particular, the emission aperture336is formed such that an active material dispensed by the active material emitter308passes through the chassis cover302ato the ambient air, i.e., the chassis cover302adoes not impede the dissemination of the active material from the active material emitter308.

The chassis cover302ais preferably secured to the chassis base302b, although such is not required. For example, as shown inFIG. 8A, the chassis cover302amay be removably attached to the chassis base302bsuch that access to, for example, the reservoir326and/or the batteries318, may be gained for replacement purposes. When the chassis cover302ais removably attachable to the chassis base302b, a locking mechanism may be employed. For example, attractive magnets may be situated on the chassis cover302aand the chassis base302b, or the chassis cover302amay include a feature that is designed for compatibility with a mating feature of the chassis base302b. In this manner, only specific covers and bases can be used.

In another aspect, we contemplate that the chassis base302band the chassis cover302a, when secured together to form the unitary device300, may be relatively movable. Specifically, when the chassis cover302ais cylindrical, it may be rotatable on the chassis base302b. For example, the rotation of the chassis cover302amay turn on and off the LED's306a,306band/or the active material emitter308.

As an alternative to the removable chassis cover302a, when, for example, a new active material is desired or the reservoir326is empty, the device300may include a hatchway for purposes of replacing the reservoir326. Examples of two contemplated hatchways338a,338bare illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 9, the hatchway338amay be located on the side of the device300. The hatchway338ais preferably hinged and is not completely removable from the device300. As shown, the hatchway338amay be opened to gain access to the reservoir326.

Alternatively, the hatchway338bmay be formed on the bottom of the device300. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, a substantially circular hatchway338bis removable from the device300. In this configuration, the reservoir326is preferably coupled to the hatchway338b. By coupling the reservoir326thereto, the hatchway338bsupports the reservoir326, and, when assembled, ensures appropriate positioning of the wick464with respect to the atomizer assembly308. Specifically, when the hatchway338bis removed, the wick464of the reservoir326is removed from contact with the atomizer assembly308. The reservoir326is then removed from the hatchway338b, a new reservoir326is coupled to the hatchway338b, and the hatchway338bis reattached, with the reservoir326properly aligning with the atomizer assembly308. When the hatchway338bofFIG. 10is used, it may be unnecessary for the horizontal platform342to support and to align the reservoir326, as the hatchway338bwill perform these functions. As such, the horizontal platform342will support the atomizer assembly308, either directly, or preferably, with the wire-like support466discussed above.

The chassis base302bmay also include one or more apertures340through which user control switches pass. A toggle switch332, for example, allows a user to turn on and off one or more of the active material emitter308and the LED's306a,306b, and a slider switch328allows a user to adjust the rate at which active material is emitted from the active material emitter308. Alternatively or additionally, switches may also be provided that allow a user to adjust the light emission properties of the LED's306a,306b, or to change an emitted light show.

Thus, the third embodiment provides a still further light and active material emitting device300. As with first and second embodiments described above, the device300may be configured to mimic the size and shape of a conventional candle.

As should thus be apparent, in each of the embodiments, a unitary housing comprises a device that emits both a flickering light and an active material, such as a fragrance, to the ambient air. As discussed above, the device is preferably inserted into a holder. Much like typical replaceable votive candles would be placed into decorative holders, unique holders are also provided for use with the lighting and active material devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 5shows the device100of the first embodiment in a holder104. Specifically, the holder104has a globe-like shape, with a bottom, and an open top, similar to a conventional holder for a votive candle. The unitary housing comprising the combination of the chassis102and the base134is placed inside the holder104, through the open top of the holder104. Preferably, at least a portion of the holder104allows light to be emitted therethrough. FIGS.11and12A-12D show some representative alternative holder304configurations into which a light and active material emitting device300can be placed. These examples are by no means limiting.

When an active material emitter is used, the emitted active material should also be emitted from the holder, and it is thus preferred that the holder provide ample ventilation. In particular, the light and active material emitting device is preferably arranged in the holder such that the emission aperture through which the active material is dispensed is between about one inch and about six inches from the top of the holder and substantially away from the inner surface of the holder. With such an arrangement, buildup of active material on the inside of the holder is minimized. Moreover, the holder may be designed to aid the flow of the active material to the ambient environment. By tapering the holder such that the width of the holder narrows nearer the top of the holder, airflow will increase as it leaves the holder. Furthermore, it is preferred that the holder not impede the emission of light from the LED's in such an embodiment. Specifically, the unitary housing is preferably arranged in the holder such that the tip (as used in the first and third embodiments, discussed above) is between about one-half of one inch and about two inches from the holder, and preferably closer than one inch. The holder may also act as a diffuser. Furthermore, we envision that the holder could further include, for example, a fan for aiding in further dispersion of the active material emitted from the active material emitter. Optionally, a heater or other similar device may aid in dispersing the active material. Still further, convection may be used to disperse the active material, whereby an ambient temperature within the device is increased to a high enough level to aid in dispersing the active material.

The holder may comprise a single piece into which the housing is placed. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 12A-12D, a holder304may also comprise a holder base304aand a holder cover304b. More specifically, the device is contained within, or alternatively comprises, the holder base304athat receives and supports the holder cover304b. The holder cover304b, when supported by the holder base304a, covers the tip324. That is, light emitted from the housing by the respective illumination devices also passes through the holder cover304b. Alternatively, the housing, e.g., the top324, may not diffuse emitted light, and only the holder cover304bdiffuses emitted light.

As a specific example of this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12A, a holder base304acontaining a unitary device as described above has a circumferential lip304cextending radially outwardly from the holder base304a. At least a lower portion304dof the holder cover304bis sized so as to engage the lip304cof the holder base304a, thereby resting the holder cover304bon the holder base304a. Other illustrative examples of holders304are shown inFIGS. 12B-12D.

While we envision that the holder cover304bmay rest on the holder base304a, it is preferable that the holder cover304bdetachably attach to the holder base304a. For example, the holder cover304bmay be designed to snap onto the holder base304a. Alternatively, the holder cover304band the holder base304amay be designed such that the holder cover304bis rotated onto the holder base304a, forming a locking engagement. In this or any configuration, the holder cover304bmay be relatively movable when secured to the holder base304a. Specifically, when the holder cover304bis generally cylindrical, it may be rotatable on the holder base304ato turn the LED's306a,306band/or the active material emitter308on and off. Additionally, the engagement and disengagement of the holder cover304band the holder base304amay act to turn the light source and/or active material emitter on and off. In this manner, the device would only operate with the holder cover304battached. Moreover, the holder cover304band holder base304amay be specially designed such that only certain covers304bcan be used with the holder base304a. For instance, the holder base304amay include a reader (not shown) that reads an ID (e.g., an RF tag) of the holder cover304b. In this manner, the device will not work unless the holder cover304bhas an appropriate ID.

When using the holder304according to this embodiment, we also envision that the holder cover304bcould emit an active material therefrom. For example, impregnable materials such as polyolefins are known that may be impregnated or infused with an active material, such as a fragrance. By forming the holder cover304bof such a material, the holder cover304bwill emit an active material over time in addition to that emitted by the active material emitter308. Alternatively, the device of this embodiment could not include the active material emitter308, in which case, only the holder cover304bwill emit an active material. Also, with respect to the second embodiment described above, we note that the combination of chassis and base resembles a decorative candle, in which case a holder may not be desired. In such a case the base or chassis may be impregnated with an active material.

Because the holder cover304bof this embodiment is removable, access to the device is facilitated (for example, to turn the LED's306a,306b, on or off) and the holder cover304bcan be easily replaced. For example, when the active material, such as a fragrance, impregnated in the holder cover304bis completely disseminated, a fresh, new holder cover304bcan easily be purchased and attached. Also, a user that has recently redecorated, or that wants to move the device to another room, may purchase a holder cover304bhaving a certain color or other aesthetic feature. Moreover, replacement holder covers304bmay provide different smells. In other embodiments, the entire holder (or base) may be replaced.

A further embodiment of a light and active material emitting device500is illustrated inFIGS. 15A-22. Referring toFIGS. 15A,15B, and17, the device500generally includes a cover portion504and a base portion506. The base portion506generally includes a base508and a housing510disposed on the base508for enclosing control circuitry (described hereinafter) for the device500. A column512extends upwardly from the housing510and is preferably integral with the housing510. Further, an arm portion514extends perpendicularly from the column512and is integral with the column512. The arm portion514includes an active material dispenser in the form of an atomizer assembly516that extends through a center portion518thereof. The atomizer assembly516is described in greater detail with respect toFIGS. 13 and 14.

Any of the atomizer assemblies described in any of the patents incorporated by reference herein may be utilized as the atomizer assembly516(or as any of the atomizer assemblies described herein). In general, these assemblies apply an alternating voltage to a piezoelectric element to cause the element to expand and contract. The piezoelectric element is coupled to a perforated orifice plate519, which in turn is in surface tension contact with a liquid source. The expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element causes the orifice plate to vibrate up and down whereupon liquid is driven through the perforations in the orifice plate and is then emitted upwardly in the form of aerosolized particles.

Preferably, a container520having an active material therein, preferably a liquid fragrance, is inserted into the active material dispenser adjacent the atomizer assembly516for emission of the active material therefrom. The container520is preferably inserted adjacent the atomizer assembly516as discussed in detail with respect toFIGS. 8A-8C. The container520includes a wick522in communication with the active material therein and extending through a top portion thereof, wherein the wick520transports active material from the container520to the atomizer assembly516.

A cap524may disposed over the atomizer assembly516to hide the components of the atomizer assembly516. Preferably, as seen inFIGS. 17 and 19, the arm portion514includes a plurality of upwardly extending projections526extending therefrom, wherein outwardly extending projections528extend from the upwardly extending projections526. The outwardly extending projections528are adapted to engage an annular lip530extending from an inner periphery532of the cap524to secure the cap524over the atomizer assembly516. The cap524further includes a central circular aperture534therein such that active material emitted from the atomizer assembly516is directed through the aperture534.

Referring toFIGS. 16-18, the base portion506further includes a housing cover540disposed atop the housing510. As seen inFIG. 18, the housing cover540includes a plurality of downwardly extending projections542, wherein an outwardly extending projection544extends from a bottom portion546of each downwardly extending projection542. The housing510includes a plurality of cutout portions447in a top portion548thereof, wherein the downwardly extending projections542extend into the cutout portions546such that top portions550of the outwardly extending projections544engage an inner upper surface552(FIG. 19) of the housing510to retain the housing cover540on the housing510.

As best seen inFIG. 18, the housing cover540further includes an upwardly extending column554that interfits with the column512extending from the housing510when the housing cover540is disposed on the housing510to form a channel555. Preferably, wires extending from the electrical components of the control circuitry to the atomizer assembly516are disposed in the channel555to hide and protect the wires. Also preferably, the columns512,554are formed of a transparent or translucent material, preferably a clarified material, such as clarified propylene, so that the columns512,554allow light to pass therethrough. Still further, the housing cover540includes a light control device556, such as a light diffuser, light pipe, lens, or the like, in a center portion560thereof, wherein the light control device556is preferably secured to or integral with the housing cover540. The light control device556generally includes a cavity562in a bottom portion564thereof, as best seen inFIG. 19. Various embodiments of light control devices556will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

As seen inFIG. 19, the base portion506of the device encloses control circuitry shown at570. In particular, the base508includes a support structure572extending upwardly therefrom that supports a printed circuit board (PCB)574. An LED576is operatively connected to and extends upwardly from a central portion578of the PCB574. As best seen inFIGS. 20 and 21, an emission frequency actuator arm580extends through a rectangular aperture582in a bottom portion of the base508. The emission frequency actuator arm580is operatively connected to a slide switch583, wherein the slide switch583is operatively connected to the PCB574. The actuator arm580preferably includes five selectable positions that control the emission frequency of the atomizer assembly516. Specifically, the slide switch583includes a button584extending therefrom that is movable along a slot586in the slide switch583to one of five detent positions. A yoke588extending from the actuator arm580surrounds the button584on sides thereof to move the button584along the slot586. Selection of a position by the user with respect to the actuator arm580moves the button584within the slot586, thereby indicating to the slide switch583the current position of the actuator arm580. The positions of the slide switch583are detected by the PCB574. Components mounted on the PCB574control the atomizer assembly516corresponding to the position of the actuator arm580, wherein each of the positions correspond to different time intervals that define the dwell time or the time between subsequent emission of puffs of active material by the atomizer assembly516. As discussed above, wires extend from the PCB574to the atomizer assembly516to actuate the atomizer assembly416in dependence upon the position of the actuator arm580.

The PCB574further includes a switch600having a depressable button602extending upwardly therefrom. Depression of the button602turns the LED576on or off depending on the current state of the LED576. The actuation of the button602and the operation of the control circuitry570will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

As noted above, the housing510encloses the PCB574and other control circuitry and the LED576. When the housing cover540is attached to the housing510, as discussed in detail above, the LED576is disposed in the cavity562located at the bottom portion564of the light control device556, such that light emitted from the LED576may be reflected and refracted by the light control device556.

Referring toFIG. 21, the base portion506of the device20includes a battery door620that includes a hinge622at a first end624thereof and a latching mechanism626at a second end628thereof. The latching mechanism626interacts with a locking recess630in the base portion506to hold the battery door620in a closed position. The latching mechanism626may be flexed to release the latching mechanism626from the locking recess630, such that the battery door620may pivot about the hinge622to open the battery door620and allow access to a battery compartment631.

As further seen inFIG. 19, the base portion506of the device500includes two batteries640that preferably provide direct current that is converted into high-frequency alternating current power that is selectively applied to the atomizer assembly516and the LED576. Optionally, the device500may be powered by alternating household current, which is rectified, converted to high-frequency alternating current power, and reduced in voltage and applied intermittently to the atomizer assembly516and/or the LED576. The batteries640may be any conventional dry-cell battery such as “A”, “AA”, “AAA”, “C”, and “D” cells, button cells, watch batteries, and solar cells, but preferably, the batteries640are “AA” or “AAA” cell batteries. Although two batteries are preferred, any number of batteries that would suitably fit within the device500and provide adequate power level and service life may be utilized.

The base portion506may further include optional feet642extending therefrom to aid in stabilizing the active material emitting device500. Although four feet642are depicted, any suitable number of feet642for stabilizing the device500may be utilized.

Referring toFIG. 22, the cover portion504includes a lower cylindrical wall650having a first diameter and an upper cylindrical wall652having a second diameter that is preferably smaller than the first diameter. An angled wall654joins the lower cylindrical wall650to the upper cylindrical wall652. The cover portion504further includes a circular top wall656adjacent the upper cylindrical wall652and having a circular aperture658disposed in a central portion thereof.

As seen inFIGS. 19 and 22, the cover portion504is positioned over the base portion506during use of the device500. Specifically, the cover portion504includes first and second apertures660a,660bdisposed opposite one another in a periphery662of the lower cylindrical wall650. The base portion506includes first and second spring clips664a,664b, as seen inFIG. 17, extending from opposing sides of the housing510. Each of the spring clips664a,664bincludes a protrusion666a,666b, respectively, extending outwardly therefrom. In use, the cover portion504is placed over the base portion506such that the upper cylindrical wall652surrounds the column512, the arm portion514, and the atomizer assembly516, and the lower cylindrical wall650abuts an outer wall668of the housing510. The cover portion504is further positioned over the base portion506such that the atomizer assembly516is aligned with the aperture658in the top wall656of the cover portion504. The aperture658provides an outlet for active material that is atomized by the atomizer assembly516and emitted from the device500. As the cover portion504is placed over the base portion506, the spring clips664a,664bare pressed inwardly by the user. Once the apertures660a,660bin the lower cylindrical wall650are aligned with the protrusions666a,666bextending from the spring clips664a,664b, the user may release the spring clips664a,664b. As the spring clips664a,664bare released, the protrusions666a,666bmove outwardly into the apertures660a,660b. Walls670a,670bdefining each of the protrusions666a,666b, respectively, thereby interfere with walls672a,672bdefining the respective aperture660a,660bto prevent removal of the cover portion504from the base portion506. If the user desires to remove the cover portion504, the user may press inwardly on the spring clips664a,664band remove the cover portion504.

As best seen inFIG. 22, the cover portion504further includes an annular ring680extending downwardly from an intersection of the upper cylindrical wall652and the angled connecting wall654of the cover portion504. As seen inFIG. 18, the housing cover540includes a plurality of spring fingers682in part defined by slots684that extend inwardly from a periphery686of the housing cover540. Each of the spring fingers682includes a projection688, as best seen inFIG. 18, extending downwardly therefrom. The annular ring680rides on top of the spring fingers682, which are resilient and act as flexures biased upwardly. Thus, as seen inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the cover portion504is biased in a position such that a upper surfaces692a,692bof the protrusions666a,666bare spaced from upper walls694a,694bof the apertures660a,660bto create gaps690a,690btherebetween. The gaps690a,690ballow movement of the cover portion504in a vertical direction relative to the housing510. A user may therefore exert downward pressure on the cover portion504against the bias of the resilient spring fingers682that act as flexures. Such pressure allows the cover portion504to move downwardly until the upper surfaces692a,692bof the protrusions666a,666bof the spring clips664a,664babut the upper walls694a,694brespectively, of the apertures660a,660b. As the cover portion504moves downwardly, the annular ring680flexes the spring fingers682downwardly. As the spring fingers682move downwardly, one of the projections688extending downwardly from the spring fingers682that is aligned with the depressable button602contacts the depressable button602, thereby activating the switch600. A change in state of the switch600is detected by the PCB574and the LED576is turned on (for a predetermined timeframe) or off depending on the current state of the LED576, as described in greater detail hereinafter.

The cover portion504is preferably made of a transparent or translucent material, such as glass and/or a polymeric resin, such that the cover portion504functions as a light diffuser. All or portions of an inner surface696and/or an outer surface698of the cover portion504may include a surface treatment, such as a frosted surface, a coating, a roughened surface, a textured surface, and/or the like, in order to provide an even dispersion of light through the cover portion504. Optionally, one or more of a lower portion699(FIG. 19) of the housing510or the lower cylindrical wall650of the cover portion504may include a decal or other obscuring element thereon in order to prevent the electronics of the device500from being viewed from outside the device500. Still optionally, a decal or other obscuring element may be positioned on the upper cylindrical wall652of the cover portion504.

As seen inFIGS. 23 and 24, the active material emitting device500may be placed into a container700for use thereof, or may be placed on a surface and used alone. The container700also preferably acts as a light diffuser and may be made of a transparent or translucent material, such as glass and/or a polymeric resin. All or portions of an inner surface702and/or an outer surface704of the container may include a surface treatment, such as a frosted surface, a coating, a roughened surface, a textured surface, and the like, to provide relatively even dispersion of light through the container700. Optionally, one or more images may be formed on the container700by placing a sticker705or other image-forming device (such as a decal) on a surface thereof. Still optionally, etchings may be formed in the light control device556to project a shape or shadow, as desired.

Although one shape of container is depicted herein, any shape of container is contemplated, as long as the device500fits sufficiently therein.

Referring toFIG. 24, the active material emitting device500is disposed within the container700such that the feet642of the device500rest upon an upper surface706of a bottom portion708of the container700. Preferably, the device500fits within the container700without portions of the lower or upper cylindrical walls650,652touching the inner surface702of the container700.

As further seen inFIG. 24, the top wall656of the housing cover540is preferably aligned with an annular rim720disposed at a top portion722of the container700. Optionally, the top wall656of the housing cover540may be disposed at, slightly below, or above the annular rim720. During operation of the device500within the container700, the device500emits liquid from the container520into the air surrounding the container700by means of the atomizer assembly516. The greater the vertical distance is between the top wall656of the housing cover540and the annular rim720, the greater the distance is between the atomizer assembly516and the annular rim720. When the distance between the atomizer assembly516and the annular rim720is too great, an effect called “fallout” may occur. When active material is emitted by the atomizer assembly516, it must be emitted upwardly a distance great enough to allow the transient air flow of the surroundings to carry the active material throughout the surroundings. When the top wall656of the housing cover540is disposed too far below the annular rim720, the active material is not emitted by the atomizer assembly upwardly a distance great enough for this to occur. Thus, the active material falls downwardly without being carried throughout the surroundings, thereby causing the active material to fall into the container, onto the housing cover540, and onto a surrounding surface. This “fallout” effect prevents the device500from efficiently dispersing active material into the surroundings and also creates a potentially undesirable accumulation of material. For this reason, it is also necessary to orient the atomizer assembly516and the LED576such that the atomizer assembly516is disposed above the LED576in order to prevent “fallout.” In one embodiment, to prevent fallout, the orifice plate519of the atomizer assembly516is disposed 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) or less from the annular rim720of the container700.

Other features in addition to or in place of the positioning of the orifice plate519of the atomizer assembly516with respect to the annular rim720of the container700are possible. For example, apertures may be disposed in the container700to increase air flow within the device and therefore carry the emitted active material into the air surrounding the container700. Another feature might include increasing the time for which the active material is emitted, and thereby increasing the inertia created by the active material and increasing the amount of active material that is carried away from the device into the air surrounding the device.

Any light emitted upwardly from the LED576along a longitudinal axis730of the device500is blocked from exiting the device500by the atomizer assembly516and container520due to the positioning of such components above the LED576. The light control device556that is disposed above and around the LED576is provided to reflect and/or refract light that is emitted from the LED576. Most of the light that is emitted upwardly along the longitudinal axis730is reflected and/or refracted by the light control device556and emitted from the device500radially outwardly through a central portion thereof. As seen inFIG. 23, this positions the light around a center portion740of the container700and device500, instead of near a top portion742thereof.

FIGS. 25-31depict various embodiments of light control devices that may be used with any of the embodiments as disclosed herein. The light control devices transmit light therethrough from a light receiving end to an opposite light dispersion end where a facet generally reflects a portion of the transmitted light laterally, or radially outwardly, as seen inFIG. 25and may transmit a portion therethrough. These embodiments are suitable for use in various light apparatuses alone and/or in combination with other light pipes and/or light diffusers. The light pipes ofFIGS. 25-31are preferably made of a transparent or translucent material suitable for transmitting light from the light receiving end to the light dispersion end, such as glass and/or a polymeric resin. A preferred material for the light control devices is a clarified propylene. Although the cross-sections of such light pipes are depicted as being circular, other non-circular cross-sections are possible.

Referring toFIG. 25, a light pipe1000extends along a longitudinal axis1002between a light receiving end1004having a cavity1006, such as a cylindrical bore, disposed therein and a light dispersing end1008having a reflective facet1010disposed therein. The cavity1006is sized to receive a light source, such as an LED1012. The light pipe1000has substantially smooth or polished first and second exterior surfaces1014,1016, defining first and second cylindrical portions1018,1020, wherein the first portion1018has a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion1020. The first cylindrical portion1018also has a height that is preferably greater than a height of the second cylindrical portion1010. A tapered exterior surface1022defines a frustoconical portion1024that is disposed between the first and second exterior surfaces1014,1016and the first and second cylindrical portions1018,1020. The reflective facet1010includes a conical depression extending across and into the light dispersion end1008through the second cylindrical portion1018and into the frustoconical portion1024. The conical depression of the facet1010forms a reflective surface1026that is angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis1002so as to disperse most of the transmitted light as indicated by light rays1027from the LED laterally, or radially outwardly, as seen inFIG. 25.

FIGS. 26-28are three variations of another embodiment of a light pipe1030that extends along a longitudinal axis1032between a light receiving end1034having a cavity1036, such as a cylindrical bore, disposed therein and a light dispersing end1038having a reflective facet1040disposed therein. The cavity1036is sized to receive a light source, such as an LED1042. The light pipe1000has substantially smooth or polished first and second exterior surfaces1046,1048defining first and second cylindrical portions1050,1052, wherein the first portion1050has a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion1052.FIGS. 26-28depict three variations of the same embodiment wherein the diameters of the first and second portions1050,1052are varied to receive different light dispersion results. Specifically, the first and second portions1050,1052ofFIG. 27have the smallest diameters and the first and second portions1050,1052ofFIG. 28have the largest diameters whereas the first and second portions1050,1052ofFIG. 26have diameters intermediate the diameters of the corresponding portions1050,1052ofFIGS. 27 and 28. Differences in diameter of the first and second portions1050,1052alter a height along the longitudinal axis1032and a diameter of the reflective facet1040at the light dispersing end1038.

Still referring toFIGS. 26-28, a rounded exterior surface1054defining a shoulder portion1056is disposed between the first and second exterior surfaces1046,1048and the first and second cylindrical portions1050,1052. The reflective facet1040includes a conical depression that forms a reflective surface1058that is angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis1032so as to disperse most of the light transmitted from the LED laterally, or radially outwardly, as depicted inFIG. 25.

The light pipe1070ofFIG. 29includes a reflective facet1080having the same shape as the light pipe1000ofFIG. 25, except that a reflective facet1080only extends through a second cylindrical portion1090and does not extend into a third portion1094. Further, the heights of first and second cylindrical portions1088,1090are substantially equal or nearly so, instead of one being greater than the other.

Referring toFIG. 30, a light pipe1120extends along a longitudinal axis1122between a light receiving end1124having a cavity1126, such as a cylindrical bore, disposed therein and a light dispersing end1128having a reflective facet1130similar to that discussed with respect toFIG. 25. The cavity1126is sized to receive at least one light source, such as an LED1132, therein. The cavity1126is defined by a cylindrical side wall1131and a curved top wall1133that extends into the cavity1126. The light pipe1120has substantially smooth or polished first and second exterior surfaces1134,1136defining first and second cylindrical portions1138,1140, wherein the first portion1138has a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion1140. A rounded exterior surface1144defining a shoulder portion1146connects the first and second exterior surfaces1134,1136and the first and second cylindrical portions1138,1140.

As seen inFIG. 30, the reflective facet1130only extends through the second portion1140and does not extend into the shoulder portion1146. The reflective facet1130further forms a reflective surface1150that is angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis1122to disperse most of the light transmitted from the LED laterally, or radially outwardly, as seen inFIG. 25.

The embodiment ofFIG. 31is similar to that ofFIG. 30. The light pipe1120ofFIG. 31differs in that the light pipe1120includes a single cylindrical exterior surface1160having a substantially constant diameter throughout.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 25-31, the LED is connected to a PCB of a light apparatus in which it is disposed in order to power and control the LED. Although embodiments of light pipes herein are depicted as having a relatively small dimension along a longitudinal axis, this dimension may be increased or decreased as necessary to create the necessary light dispersions.

Although the embodiments ofFIGS. 25-31are described as having smooth surfaces defining the respective light pipes, roughened or textured surfaces may also be utilized.

The operation of the active material emitting device500ofFIGS. 15A-24will now be described in detail. When a user desires to operate the device500, the battery door620is opened using the latching means626and batteries640are placed within the battery component555. To insert a container520having an active material therein, the cover portion504is removed from the device500, as described in detail above, an old container520is removed and/or a new container520is inserted, and the cover portion504is placed back onto the device500, as described in detail above. The order of insertion of the batteries640and a container520may be reversed, but as soon as both are inserted, the device500begins emitting the active material.

The user may then move the actuator arm580(FIG. 21) to set the dwell time for emission of the active material. Once the dwell time is set, the device500may be placed in a container700. It is not until the user depresses the cover portion504, as described in detail above, that the LED576will turn on. The LED576can be turned off by a subsequent depression of the cover portion504or the LED576will automatically shut off after a predetermined time period, such as three hours or four, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 32illustrates a programmable device in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)2000that operates in conjunction with further electrical components to control the energization of any of the LED's described above and, optionally, any of the active material emitters or atomizer assemblies described above (each of the emitters and atomizer assemblies is referred to as an active material dispenser hereinafter). If desired, the ASIC2000may be replaced by a microcontroller, any other programmable device or a series of discrete logic and electronic devices. In general, in one mode of operation, the ASIC2000operates only a single LED2, such as the LED576, or any of the other LED's described above, such that LED2appears to flicker. If two independently operable LED's are present, the ASIC2000operates the LED's such that a further LED1appears to be continuously energized and LED2appears to flicker. If desired, this arrangement could readily be modified by one of ordinary skill in the art such that LED1appears to flicker and LED2appears to be continuously energized. In a still further embodiment, LED1and LED2could be operated in a non-independent fashion such that both are caused to appear to flicker or appear to be continuously energized. Still further, in the illustrated embodiment, if the ASIC2000is connected to and independently operates both LED1and LED2, circuitry internal to the ASIC2000for operating the active material dispenser is disabled and the active material dispenser is omitted. Alternatively, in those embodiments where two or more LED's are to be operated together (i.e., not independently, such as LED1and LED2discussed above), the ASIC2000could be modified in a manner evident to one of ordinary skill in the art given the disclosure herein such that disabling of the active material dispenser circuitry does not occur and the active material dispenser can be connected to the ASIC2000and be operated thereby. Also, while in the illustrated embodiment the active material dispenser is operable by the ASIC2000only when one or two LED's are connected thereto, the ASIC2000could be modified by one of ordinary skill in the art such that the ASIC2000can operate an active material dispenser as described above even when no LED is connected to the ASIC2000.

In the preferred embodiment, LED1and LED2are operated in a pulse-width mode (PWM) of operation. Specifically LED1, when used, is provided a high frequency PWM waveform that results in the appearance that LED1is continuously energized. The duty cycle for the PWM waveform and the frequency for the PWM waveform are fixed. Regardless of whether LED1is used, LED2is energized to obtain the flickering effect by utilizing a pseudo random number generator2002(shown in block diagram form inFIG. 32and shown functionally inFIG. 33) in conjunction with PWM value tables2004and one or more of a plurality of timers2006to establish a duty cycle for operation of LED2(the PWM value tables2004and the timers2006form a digital portion of the ASIC2000). The pseudo random number generator2002is functionally shown inFIG. 33as a series of three NOR gates G1, G2, and G3coupled to particular bit positions of a sixteen-bit shift register SR. The initial value of the generator2002is 3045 (hexadecimal). The waveform generation processes to obtain the flickering effect for single LED operation and dual independent LED operation are described in greater detail below.

Referring again toFIG. 32, the ASIC comprises control apparatus including a charge pump and average current source2008, a PWM switch2010for LED1, and a PWM switch2012for LED2. A capacitor C1is coupled across terminals CP1and CP2and stores charge from the batteries640and charge pump2008to permit continued operation of LED1(if used) and LED2even when the output voltage of the batteries640falls below the voltage required to turn on such LED(s). The light emitting diode LED2is coupled across terminals CP1and LED2whereas the light emitting diode LED1(if used) is coupled across terminals CP1and LED1.

The ASIC2000receives power from the batteries640, which, as noted above, may be a pair of series-connected conventional AA 1.5 v cells, at terminals VCC and VSS1. A capacitor C2is coupled across the terminals VCC and VSS1for filtering purposes. Preferably, the terminal VSS1is connected to ground potential. A boost converter2014of the ASIC2000in conjunction with a capacitor C3, a Schottky diode D1, and an inductor L1all external to the ASIC200and coupled to terminals VDD, BOOST, and VCC provide a supply voltage at the terminal VDD. In the event that the active material dispenser circuitry is not utilized, the diode D1, the inductor L1, and the capacitor C3are omitted and the terminal VDD is directly coupled to the terminal VCC and the BOOST terminal is left unconnected. The ASIC2000further receives a signal at an ON_OFF terminal from a switch S1(that preferably comprises the switch600ofFIG. 20) that is in turn coupled to ground. The ASIC2000includes an internal debouncer (not seen inFIG. 32) that debounces the signal developed by the switch S1.

The ASIC2000further includes a clock oscillator2016that serves as an internal clock for the ASIC2000, a power-on reset circuit2018that resets various parameters upon energization of the ASIC2000, and an undervoltage detector2020that disables the ASIC2000when the battery voltage drops below a particular level. A voltage/current reference circuit2021assists in determining when to activate the charge pump for the LED's and is a reference for when to disable the ASIC2000as the batteries640discharge. The VCO2023, in turn, receives a ramp voltage developed on a terminal CSLOW by a ramp oscillator2024. The ramp oscillator2024and the VCO2023control the active material dispenser, when used, as noted in greater detail hereinafter.

Still further in the preferred embodiment, the digital portion of the ASIC2000further includes a system controller in the form of programmed logic2026that executes programming to control the LED's, an eight-bit address register2027, and an address pointer register2028. The digital portion further includes a 4×8 programmable read only memory (PROM)2029, a PROM controller2030, and a digital controller2031, all of which generate drive signals for the LED(s). As noted in greater detail hereinafter, in the case where both LED1and LED2are used, the value developed by the address pointer register2028at any particular time is equal to the value developed by the address register2027at that time with the second and third least significant bits removed from the eight-bit value developed by the address register2027and the remaining more significant bits shifted toward the least significant bit. For example, if the value developed by the address register2027at a particular time is 01101100, then the output value of the address pointer register2028at that time is 011010. Similarly, if the current output value of the address register2027is 10101001, 00001110, or 10011111, then the current output value of the address pointer register2028is 101011, 000010, or 100111, respectively. In the case where only LED2is used, the value developed by the address pointer register2028at any particular time is equal to the six least significant bits of the value developed by the address register2027at that time.

Referring next toFIG. 34, a series of waveform diagrams illustrate operation of the circuitry ofFIG. 32under the assumption that LED1and LED2are connected as shown inFIG. 32. If, on the other hand, LED1is omitted, the illustrated waveforms for LED2remain the same, whereas no current is supplied to the LED1terminal of the ASIC2000. Also, the flicker pattern for LED2is different when LED1is not used as compared to when LED1is used, in the manner and for the reasons described hereinafter.

The waveform diagram labeled MODE ofFIG. 34reflects the operation of the ASIC2000in response to various conditions including the open/closed state of the switch S1. The terminal ON_OFF has an internal pull-up feature such that when the switch S1is open, as seen inFIG. 32, the voltage VDD is supplied to the debouncer (the debouncer is implemented by the system controller2026). When the switch S1ofFIG. 32is closed, a low state signal in the form of ground potential is supplied to the debouncer, as reflected in the transition between one and zero states in the ON_OFF signal illustrated inFIG. 34. Upon release of the switch S1, a transition occurs from the zero to one states of the ON_OFF signal. The ASIC2000then enters an on condition mode at a time t1provided that the debouncer received the zero state signal for at least a predetermined period of time, such as 25 milliseconds. During operation in the on mode, the LED(s) is (are) energized, as noted in greater detail hereinafter. When the switch S1is momentarily closed then opened at a time t2for at least the predetermined period of time, the ASIC2000enters a sleep mode of operation, during which only the debouncer is active so as to retain the capability of detecting momentary closure of the switch S1for at least the predetermined period of time. Thereafter, closure and opening of the switch S1at a time t3for at least the predetermined period of time causes the ASIC2000to reenter the on mode.

Following the time t3, if the switch S1is not actuated within a predetermined delay period (referred to hereinafter as the “auto shut-off delay period”), the ASIC2000automatically enters the sleep mode, as represented at time t4. This auto shut-off delay period is variable depending upon whether the active material dispenser or LED1are not used. Specifically, if a terminal GDRV is not connected to ground, but instead is connected to external circuitry that implements the active material dispenser, as discussed in detail hereinafter, the predetermined delay period is set equal to three hours. Otherwise, the predetermined delay period is set equal to four hours. A subsequent momentary closure and opening of the switch S1at a time t5causes the ASIC2000to again enter the on mode.

At a time t6the power provided to the ASIC2000is interrupted, such as by removal of one or more of the batteries640. Upon reapplication of power to the ASIC2000at a time t7, a power-on reset mode is entered wherein values used by the ASIC2000are initialized. Thereafter, the ASIC2000enters the sleep mode until the switch S1is again momentarily closed and opened at time t8. Following the time t8, the ASIC2000remains in the on mode until the auto shut-off delay period has expired, or until the switch S1is momentarily closed, or until the voltage developed by the batteries640drops below a particular level, such as 1.8 volts, as illustrated at time t9.

As seen in the waveform diagrams illustrated as APPARENT_LED1and APPARENT_LED2, LED1(when used) is operated such that it appears to be continuously on whereas the LED2is operated such that it appears to flicker with a pseudo random flicker pattern. With regard to LED2, a number of frames of equal duration are established wherein each frame includes a number of pulse cycles therein. Preferably, each pulse cycle is 4.3 milliseconds in length and 24 pulses are included per frame. Accordingly, each frame is 103 milliseconds in duration. Also preferably, the pulse on-times for a particular frame are all equal in duration, resulting in a particular average current magnitude for that frame. Also preferably, the pulse-widths in adjacent frames are different so as to provide an average current different from the particular average current magnitude to provide the flickering effect. The choice of the pulse-widths for the frames is controlled by the pseudo random generator2002and entries in one of two portions of the PWM value table2004. When LED1is used in conjunction with LED2, a first portion of the PWM value table2004is accessed. On the other hand, when LED1is not used, a second portion of the PWM value table2004is accessed.

As illustrated in the bottom three waveforms ofFIG. 34, the waveforms ACTUAL_LED1and ACTUAL_LED2indicate the drive waveforms applied to LED1and LED2, respectively, under the assumption that both LED's are used. (The scale of the waveforms ACTUAL_LED1and ACTUAL_LED2is greatly expanded relative to the scale of the waveforms APPARENT_LED1and APPARENT_LED2.) In general, LED1and LED2are operated intermittently at a high frequency so as to provide the appearance that the LED's are being operated at a constant intensity level over a period of time. More particularly, between a time t10and a time t12, the LED1receives two pulses of current, as does the LED2. Specifically, in a first one-sixth of a total of two cycles between the times t10and t12, neither LED1nor LED2receives a current pulse. In a second one-sixth of the two cycles the LED2receives a pulse of current whereas the LED1does not. In a third one-sixth of the two cycles the LED1receives a current pulse whereas the LED2does not. In a fourth one-sixth of the two cycles (wherein the second cycle begins at a time t11) neither the LED1nor the LED2receives a current pulse while in a fifth one-sixth of the two cycles LED1receives a current pulse whereas the LED2does not. Finally, in a sixth one-sixth of the two cycles the LED2receives a current pulse whereas the LED1does not.

Thereafter, the above-described cycle pairs repeat until the combined voltage developed by the batteries640drops below the voltage required to adequately energize LED1and LED2. At this point, the charge pump2008is actuated to provide sufficient forward voltage to LED1and LED2. Specifically, LED1and LED2receive the current pulses as described previously and the charge pump2008is turned on during the first one-sixth and fourth one-sixth of cycle pair to charge the capacitor C1ofFIG. 32. The capacitor C1thereafter provides sufficient voltage to LED1and LED2to maintain adequate drive thereto. Preferably, the drive pulses for LED1and LED2have a 45 milliamp peak current and a typical pulse-width of about 4.2 microseconds. If desired, these values may be changed to obtain different LED intensities.

Referring next to the flowchart ofFIGS. 35A and 35B, which illustrate the overall operation of the ASIC2000in accordance with the waveforms ofFIG. 34(with the exception of the bottom three waveforms thereof), control begins at a block2040, which checks to determine when a POWER-ON RESET signal has been developed. This signal is generated when batteries are first placed into the active material emitting device, or when dead batteries are replaced with charged batteries, or when charged batteries are removed from the device and are returned to the device and a minimum supply voltage has been reached.

Control then passes to a block2042, which implements a reset mode of operation whereby all internal registers are set to define start-up values and all timers are reset. A block2044then checks to determine whether a minimum supply voltage has been reached and, when this is found to be the case, control passes to a block2045A, which checks to determine whether the terminal LED1is connected to ground potential. If this is found to be the case, a block2045B disables the PWM switch2010, enables the PWM switch2012, and selects a particular table of the PWM value tables2004corresponding to single LED operation for subsequent accessing. On the other hand, if the block2045A determines that the terminal LED1is not connected to ground (i.e., the terminal is coupled to LED1) control bypasses the block2045B and proceeds to a block2045C, whereupon both PWM switches2010and2012are enabled and a different table of the PWM value tables2004corresponding to two LED operation is selected for later accessing. Control from the blocks2045B and2045C passes to a block2046, which then implements a sleep mode of operation. During operation in the sleep mode, all internal components of the ASIC2000are deactuated, with the exception of the debouncer, which remains active to determine when the switch S1is momentarily depressed for greater than the particular period of time.

Following the block2046, control pauses at a block2048until a determination has been made that the switch S1has been momentarily depressed and released. When this action is detected, and it has been determined that the terminal LED1is not connected to ground, a block2049B turns LED1on in the fashion described above so that such LED appears to be continuously energized. Conversely, if it has been determined that the terminal LED1is connected to ground, the block2049B is skipped. Control then passes to a block2050, which initializes the pseudo random generator2002ofFIG. 33and causes the pseudo random generator2002to develop a sixteen-bit pseudo random number at the output of the shift register SR ofFIG. 33of which the eight least significant bits are loaded into the address register2027ofFIG. 32. This loading, in turn, causes the address pointer register2028to develop a six-bit number corresponding to the eight-bit pseudo random number loaded into the register2027as described above.

Following the block2050, a block2052reads one of 64 PWM values stored in the selected table of the PWM value tables2004ofFIG. 32. In general, the PWM values stored in the selected PWM value table define duty cycles for LED2. Preferably, PWM values that are stored in adjacent locations in the selected table have no particular relationship with one another (i.e., the PWM values in adjacent storage locations vary in a random or pseudo random manner from one another), although this need not be the case. In any event, the block2052reads the PWM value from the selected table stored at the address identified by the six-bit current output value of the address pointer register2028. A block2054then multiplies the PWM value read by the block2052by a particular length of time, such as 16.8 microseconds, and loads that multiplied PWM value into a PWM-LED2_ON timer implemented as a part of the timers2006ofFIG. 32.

Following the block2054, a block2056ofFIG. 35B, turns on LED2and starts the PWM-LED2_ON timer and also initializes and starts 103 msec. and 4.3 msec. timers. Assuming at this point that the batteries640are fully charged, the charge pump portion of the circuit2008is inactive. Control then pauses at a block2058until the PWM-LED2_ON timer2006experiences an overflow condition. When this overflow condition occurs, a block2060turns off LED2for the balance of the 4.3 millisecond pulse cycle and resets the PWM-LED2_ON timer. Control then passes to a block2062which determines whether the switch S1has been momentarily pressed and released. If not, a block2064determines whether the shut down timer that measures the auto shut-off delay period has experienced an overflow condition. If this is also not the case, a block2066checks to determine whether a 103 millisecond PWM-frame timer implemented as a part of the timers2006ofFIG. 32has experienced an overflow condition. If this is further not the case, control remains with a block2068until a 4.3 millisecond PWM pulse cycle timer also implemented as a part of the timers2006experiences an overflow condition, whereupon control returns to the block2056to begin the next 4.3 millisecond PWM pulse cycle.

If the block2062determines that the switch S1has been momentarily pressed and released, or if the block2064determines that the shut down timer has experienced an overflow condition, control returns to the block2046ofFIG. 35Awhereupon the sleep mode is entered.

If the block2066determines that the 103 millisecond PWM-frame timer has overflowed, control passes to a block2070, which either increments or decrements the address register2027. The decision to increment or decrement the address pointer is determined by the most significant bit of the sixteen-bit pseudo random number developed by the pseudo random generator2002. A zero as the most significant bit causes the block2070to decrement the address register2027, whereas a one as the most significant bit causes the block2070to increment the address register2027. If desired, the decision to increment or decrement may be based upon another bit of the pseudo random number, or a zero in a particular bit position may cause the block2070to increment the address register2027while a one in the particular bit position may cause the block2070to decrement the address register2027. As a still further alternative, the block2070may only decrement or only increment the address register2027for each pseudo random number developed by the generator2002regardless of the values of the bits of the pseudo random number. Still further, the particular bit that determines whether to increment or decrement may vary from number-to-number developed by the generator2002. In any event, the address pointer may be incremented when a particular pseudo random number has been developed by the generator2002and the address pointer may be decremented (or incremented, for that matter) when a subsequent pseudo random number is developed by the generator2002.

Following the block2070, a block2072checks to determine whether the address pointer register2028has experienced an overflow condition. Specifically, because 64 values are stored in the selected table of the tables2004, the block2072checks to determine whether the incrementing or decrementing of the address pointer2070has caused the address pointer register2028to increment to a value of 0000010 or to decrement to a value of 111111. If this is not the case, a block2074reads the PWM value at the next memory location (either above or below the previous memory location) defined by the current value of the address pointer register2028. A block2076multiplies the PWM value stored at the memory location with the particular length of time (i.e., 16.8 microseconds) and loads the multiplied value into the PWM-LED2_ON timer and control passes to the block2056ofFIG. 35Bto start a new 4.3 millisecond pulse cycle.

If the block2072determines that the address pointer register2028has experienced an overflow condition, a block2080checks to determine whether an under voltage condition has been detected whereby the battery voltage has fallen below a particular level of, for example, 1.8 volts. If this is found to be the case, control passes to a block2086that causes the ASIC2000to enter a low battery sleep mode of operation. The block2086maintains the ASIC2000in the low battery sleep mode until a power-on reset condition again occurs, for example, by replacing the discharged batteries with fully charged batteries. This action prevents the discharged batteries from being further discharged to a point where operation of the device can no longer be maintained or to a point where the batteries may leak and damage the device.

If the block2080determines that the under voltage condition has not been detected, a block2082causes the pseudo random generator2002ofFIG. 33to generate a new sixteen-bit pseudo random number and the address register2027is loaded with the eight least significant bits of this new number by a block2084. Control then passes to the block2052FIG. 35A.

In the case where LED1is used, the foregoing methodology of ignoring two of the eight bits of the pseudo random number when addressing the selected table results in a pattern of repetitively addressing two consecutive memory locations in the table2004a total of four times. That is, in the example where the pseudo random number is 00000000 and the block2070is incrementing, the memory location addressing scheme proceeds as follows:

000000000010000100000001000011000101000000000010000100000001000011000101000000000010000110000001000011000111000000000100.000001000101.000010000100.000011000101
The foregoing addressing scheme when both LED1and LED2are used results in a flickering effect that is visually pleasing while allowing the use of a relatively small PWM value table for the two LED mode of operation. This, in turn, reduces the cost of the ASIC2000. It should be noted that the single LED mode of operation does not result in the repetitive addressing scheme noted above; rather, in this case, incrementing and decrementing occur directly through the selected table.

Referring again toFIG. 32, the ASIC2000includes a terminal ILIM in addition to the terminals CSLOW and GDRV that are connected to external circuitry to implement the active material dispenser. Specifically, a capacitor C4is connected between the terminal ILIM and ground. A pair of inductors L2and L3and a piezoelectric element3000are connected in series with one another across the capacitor C4. A gate electrode of a transistor Q1is coupled to the terminal GDRV and source and drain electrodes of the transistor Q1are coupled to a tap of the inductor L2and ground, respectively. A further capacitor C5is coupled between the terminal CSLOW and ground.

The system logic2026continuously operates the active material dispenser if the terminal GDRV is not connected to ground. (This determination, as well as the determination of whether LED1is coupled to the ASIC2000is performed by a detector3002,FIG. 32.) The operation of the active material dispenser is independent of the operation of the LED(s). A rate selector switch S2(that preferably comprises the switch583ofFIG. 20) provides inputs to terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5that together determine the duration of the dwell periods between discharges of the active material dispenser. Specifically, as seen inFIG. 36, the rate selector switch S2is diagrammatically shown as including a housing3010, a movable switch contact3012having an internal electrically conductive wiper3014and an externally-disposed slide button3016. A first electrically conductive trace3018extends fully at least along a series of first through fourth switch positions P1-P4, and possibly extends as shown to a fifth switch position P5. The first trace3018is electrically connected to ground potential. Second through fifth electrically conductive traces3020,3022,3024, and3026, are connected to terminals SW5, SW4, SW2, and SW1, respectively, of the ASIC2000. The terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5have internal, controllable pull-ups and pull-downs. When the ASIC2000is in the sleep mode, these terminals are all pulled down. Conversely, when the ASIC2000is checking the status of the signals provided to these terminals, the terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5are pulled up internally. The rate selector switch S2pulls down one of these terminals depending upon the position P1-P5that the switch contact3012is moved to. When the switch contact3012is in the position P1as illustrated inFIG. 36, the terminal SW5is pulled down to ground potential, and the ASIC2000establishes the dwell time at a first value, such as 5.75 seconds. When the switch contact3012is moved in the direction of the arrow3030to any of the positions P2, P4, and P5one of the terminals SW4, SW2, or SW1, respectively, is pulled down to ground potential, and the ASIC2000establishes the dwell time at other values, such as 7.10, 12.60 or 22.00 seconds, respectively. When the switch contact3012is moved to the position P3, none of the terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5is pulled down to ground potential, and the ASIC2000establishes the dwell time at a further value, such as 9.22 seconds. In the event that more than one of the terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5is coupled to ground at any particular time due to a switch malfunction, the dwell time is preferably established at a mid-range value, such as 9.22 seconds.

The ramp oscillator2024obtains the output of the clock oscillator2016and develops the ramp voltage on the terminal CSLOW, as noted above. The ramp oscillator2024continuously runs if the detector3002determines that the terminal GDRV is connected to other than ground potential, and the output of the ramp oscillator2024acts as a clock to control the pumping frequency (in accordance with the setting of the switch S2) and the pump duration. Preferably, the pump duration is established at a constant value of about 11 milliseconds. The frequency of the ramp oscillator2024is determined by the size of the capacitor C4and the charging/discharging current for the capacitor C4is obtained from a bias current generated by the ASIC2000. The bias current is trimmed in order to meet the frequency tolerance requirements of the ramp oscillator2024.FIG. 37functionally illustrates the ramp oscillator2024as comprising an op amp3040connected in a comparator configuration and having a noninverting input coupled to the capacitor C5and further coupled to switches S3and S4. The switches S3and S4are operated in antiphase relationship each with a 50% duty cycle to alternately connect constant current sources3042and3044to the capacitor C5. An inverting input of the op amp3040is coupled to a switch S5, which alternately connects voltages Vthrupand Vthrloto the inverting input.FIG. 38illustrates the resulting voltage VCSLOWdeveloped at the terminal CSLOW of the ASIC2000. The voltage VCSLOWlinearly ramps up and down between limits Vthrupand Vthrlowith a period equal to 1/fslow, where fslowis the frequency of the waveform developed by the clock oscillator2016, typically about 1000 Hz.

The capacitor C4is charged by a constant current source3050(FIG. 32, labeled “Ilimiter”). The constant current source3050is switched off in a slowly decreasing manner when the voltage VDD is outside a regulated range thereof.

The VCO2023is controlled by the ramp voltage developed by the ramp oscillator2024during a pumping operation such that the frequency of the drive voltage developed at the terminal GDRV increases from a lower value to an upper value. This operation is illustrated in the waveform diagram ofFIG. 39, which illustrates that the VCO output voltage comprises a series of pulses each having rise and fall times trand tf, respectively, and pulse-widths tp1, tp2, . . . , tp(N-1), tpN,each measured from the beginning of a rise time to the beginning of a fall time of the pulse. The frequency of the VCO output voltage linearly increases from a first frequency flowto a second frequency fhigh, where flowis preferably equal to about 130 kHz and fhighis preferably equal to about 160 kHz. Also preferably, the duty cycle is maintained at about 33% throughout the variation in VCO output voltage frequency.

Referring next to the state diagram ofFIG. 40, when a power-on-reset condition is sensed, all of the internal registers of the ASIC2000(including registers that are used for operation of the LED(s)) are set to defined start up values and the ASIC2000enters a state S1. While in the state S1the logic2026(FIG. 32) checks to determine if the terminal GDRV is coupled to ground. If so, the shut down timer implemented as part of the timers2006ofFIG. 32is set to four hours and control passes to a state S2, at which the active material dispenser functionality is disabled. On the other hand, if the logic2026determines that the terminal GDRV is not coupled to ground, the fragrance dispenser is functionality enabled, and control passes to a state S3comprising a fragrance sleep mode of operation. As control passes to the state S3, the terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5are pulled up and a duration for the fragrance sleep mode is read in by establishing the position of the switch S2. During the fragrance sleep mode of operation, the terminal GDRV is pulled down to a low voltage level, the VCO2023is disabled, and the terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5are pulled down.

Once the fragrance sleep mode duration has elapsed, the ASIC200enters a state S4where the terminal GDRV is maintained at a low voltage, the VCO2023is powered up, the terminals SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5are pulled up and read, and the under voltage detector2020is checked. The ASIC2000then enters a state S5during which the active material dispenser is energized in accordance with the setting of the switch S2for 11 milliseconds, as described above. The ASIC2000remains in the state S5until the 11 milliseconds have elapsed and thereafter re-enters the sleep mode at state S3. Control then continues to cycle among the states S3, S4, and S5until the under voltage detector2020determines that the battery voltage drops below a particular level, at which time the active material dispenser functionality is disabled until another power-on-reset condition is sensed, whereupon control reverts to the state S1and the foregoing operation is again undertaken.

It should be noted that at all times other than during a pumping operation the VCO2023is maintained in an off condition.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The light and active material emitting device provides light and/or active material emitters. The device provides an overall desired aesthetic ambience in an area, such as a room.