Abstract:
Vapor-emitting devices according to various embodiments of the invention include active end of use indicators to warn users that it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. Some embodiments of the vapor-emitting devices include intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator, while other embodiments include non-intrusive actuation of the end of use indicator. The indicators may be visual and/or auditory cues for notifying users it is nearing the time and/or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/162,522, filed on Sep. 13, 2005, entitled, “VAPOR-EMITTING DEVICE WITH A SOLAR-POWERED, ACTIVE END OF USE INDICATOR,” which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The invention generally relates to vapor-emitting devices, and particularly to, vapor-emitting devices including an active end of use indicator. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   Vapor-emitting devices are generally used to emit an environment-altering fragrance, an insect repellant, and/or the like. Typically, to know when it is time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the vapor-emitting device, users are required to take the initiative to visually inspect the contents and/or refill of the vapor-emitting device. There are, however, at least a few problems associated with such a requirement, 1) users must remember that it is nearing the time and/or time to replace/refill the vapor-emitting device; 2) users must personally inspect the vapor-emitting device and/or refill to determine if it is nearing the time and/or time to replace/refill the vapor-emitting device; and 3) upon inspection, users must have the capability of determining that indeed the vapor-emitting device contains a low amount of volatizable material and/or is no longer emitting vapor, which may be difficult if the volatizable material is not readily visible and/or leaves a residue making it difficult to determine how much, if any, volatizable material remains. 
   As discussed above, current devices neither actively warn users that the vapor-emitting device is low on volatizable material or is no longer producing vapor and/or actively remind users that it is time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. Therefore, there is a need for a vapor-emitting device that actively warns users that the device is low on volatizable material and/or no longer producing vapor such that users will be put on notice that it is nearing the time or time to replace the vapor-emitting device or a refill for the device. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   A vapor-emitting device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a reservoir housing a volatizable material and an active end of use indicator in communication with the reservoir, wherein the active end of use indicator is configured to alert a user that the reservoir includes a low level of volatizable material and/or the reservoir is empty. In various exemplary embodiments, the active end of use indicator is connected to a power source. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the power source may be a solar cell. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the power source may be a battery, an electrical outlet, or any other device capable of supplying power to the active end of use indicator. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Additional embodiments of the invention will become evident upon reviewing the non-limiting embodiments described in the specification in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including an intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including an intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of yet another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including an intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of still another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including an intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including a non-intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including a non-intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of yet another exemplary embodimetn of a vapor-emitting device including a non-intrusive end of use indicator; 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of still another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device including a non-intrusive end of use indicator; and 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  900  including a solar-powered, active end of use indicator. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes reference to the accompanying figures, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized, and that logical and/or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation. 
   For the sake of brevity, functional embodiments of the apparatus and systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical connections between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. 
   Various embodiments of the invention include vapor-emitting devices (e.g., air fresheners, emanators, evaporators, foggers, and the like). In exemplary embodiments, these vapor-emitting devices are configured to alert a user that it is time and/or nearing the time to replace a refill for the device, or replace the device itself in non-refillable embodiments. To alert the user, these vapor-emitting devices include an end of use indicator that is actuated when the device includes a pre-determined level of volatizable material and/or when the device is empty. 
   Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  100  including an intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  100  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material (e.g., a fragrance, insecticide, insect repellant, and the like). In various exemplary embodiments, vapor emitting device  100  includes a wick (not shown) in communication with an evaporating element (not shown) such that the wick provides a volatizable material (e.g., volatizable material  150 , discussed below) to the evaporating element for vaporization. In other exemplary embodiments, vapor-emitting device  100  is a passive vapor-emitting device such that the volatizable material (e.g., volatizable material  150 , discussed below) is caused to be evaporated. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, vapor-emitting device  100  includes non-refill portion  110  and a refill portion  120 . Non-refill portion  110 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes an electrode  130   a  and an electrode  135   a , both of which may be any type of electrode known in the art capable of actuating a warning device. Furthermore, refill portion  120  includes an electrode  130   b  and an electrode  135   b , both of which may be any type of electrode known in the art capable of actuating a warning device, and complementary to electrodes  130   a  and  135   a , respectively. In other words, when refill portion  120  is appropriately connected to non-refill portion  110 , electrode  130   a  is connected to electrode  130   b , and electrode  135   a  is connected to electrode  135   b . Notably,  FIG. 1  illustrates an anterior view of one embodiment of non-refill portion  110 , and a posterior view of one embodiment of refill portion  120 . 
   Electrodes  130   b  and  135   b , in one exemplary embodiment, are oriented within a reservoir  140  of refill portion  120 . In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, reservoir  140  stores a volatizable material  150  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  100 . Volatizable material  150  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). In one exemplary embodiment, volatizable material  150  includes an electrolyte such that volatizable material  150  is capable of conducting electrons between electrodes  130   b  and  135   b . In other words, when sufficient volatizable material  150  is present within reservoir  140  (i.e., when volatizable material  150  is in contact with both electrode  130   b  and electrode  135   b ), a complete electrical circuit (not shown in detail) is formed. Likewise, when volatizable material  150  is not in contact with both electrode  130   b  and  135   b , the electrical circuit is disrupted. Examples of suitable electrolytes included within volatizable material  150  include, but are not limited to, quaternary amines (e.g., tetraethylammonium chloride), alkyl halides (e.g., sodium chloride), transition metal salts (e.g., ferric chloride), and the like. 
   Vapor-emitting device  100  includes an active end of use indicator to proactively alert a user that reservoir  140  includes a low level of volatizable material and/or reservoir  140  is empty, which may include any suitable end of use indicator and/or components known in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  160 . Light  160  may be any known light and/or device known in the art capable of being illuminated and/or visually altering a user. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment, light  160  may be a light emitting diode (LED). In other aspects of the invention, light  160  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an incandescent light, a halogen light, a fluorescent light, and the like. Furthermore, light  160  may be any size (i.e., dimensions) and power (i.e., wattage) suitable for altering the user. Moreover, light  160  may be any color, although it is preferable that light  160  include a color that is different and distinct from the primary color of vapor-emitting device  100 . For example, if vapor-emitting device  100  is white, light  160  may be red, green, blue, yellow, purple, pink, black, brown, or orange. 
   In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  170 , which may be any device and/or component capable of emitting sound. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment, audible device  170  may be a speaker capable of emitting a continuous or intermittent sound/noise. In another aspect of the invention, audible device  170  may include a voice to alert the user. Notably, and as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , vapor-emitting  100  may include both light  160  and audible device  170  to alert the user that reservoir  140  includes a low level of volatizable material  150  and/or reservoir  140  is empty. 
   In addition, vapor-emitting device  100  may include one or more plug receptacles  180 . Plug receptacles  180  may be any plug receptacle known in the art capable of having an electric plug inserted within it and providing electric current to the device connected to the plug. As such, plug receptacles  180 , in one embodiment, are configured to function similar to standard plug receptacles found, for example, in a wall or on a power strip. Thus, plug receptacles  180  may also function to mimic a standard outlet such that vapor-emitting device  100  is less likely to be detected as a vapor-emitting device. In another embodiment, plug receptacles  180  are not functional, but are simply configured to mimic the standard outlet similar to the embodiment discussed above. Notably, vapor-emitting device  100  may include any shape and/or dimensions suitable for emitting environment-altering fragrances and/or insect repellant, insecticide, and/or the like. However, embodiments desiring that vapor-emitting device  100  mimic a standard duplex wall outlet, power strip, or quadplex should include dimensions (e.g., height, width, depth, and the like)/shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, and the like) similar to well-accepted dimensions/shapes for these outlets and/or dimensions/shapes less likely to be otherwise noticed. 
   In yet another exemplary embodiment, vapor-emitting device  100  includes a power source  190  connected to the active end of use indicator circuit (i.e., light  160  and/or audible device  170 ). Power source  190  may be any device known in the art capable of supplying power to the active end of use indicator. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment, power source  190  is a solar cell suitably configured to supply power to the active end of use indicator. In another aspect of the invention, power source  190  may be a battery or an electrical outlet with which vapor-emitting device  100  is connected. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  function such that when sufficient volatizable material  150  is present in reservoir  140 , the electrolytes within volatizable material  150  are capable of completing the circuit comprised of electrodes  130   a  and  130   b , electrodes  135   a  and  135   b , and the end of use indicator (e.g., light  160 , audible device  170 , and/or the like), wherein the circuit is suitably configured not to actuate the end of use indicator when the circuit is complete. However, when sufficient volatizable material  150  is not present within reservoir  140  such that the circuit is disrupted, the circuit is configured to actuate the end of use indicator. For example, when volatizable material  150  is not contacting both electrode  130   b  and electrode  135   b , the end of use indicator may illuminate (e.g., when the end of use indicator is light  160 ), and/or emit a continuous or intermittent sound (e.g., when the end of use indicator is audible device  170  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  120  or vapor-emitting device  100  needs to be replaced. 
   Notably, vapor-emitting device  100  has been described as including refill portion  120 , however, vapor-emitting device  100  may not be refillable. As such, reservoir  140  would be included within non-refill portion  110 , and vapor-emitting device  100  should be discarded when all or substantially all of volatizable material  150  is evaporated or caused to be evaporated. Moreover, the invention contemplates that light  160  may be illuminated while there is sufficient volatizable material  150  in reservoir  140  then become non-illuminated as a way of indicating end of use. 
     FIG. 2  is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  200  including an intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  200  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. Similar to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  illustrates an anterior view of one embodiment of a non-refill portion  210 , and a posterior view of one embodiment of a refill portion  220 . 
   Non-refill portion  210 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes electrodes  230   a  and  235   a  similar to electrodes  130   a  and  135   a  discussed above, respectively. Furthermore, refill portion  220  includes electrodes  230   b  and  235   b  similar to electrodes  130   b  and  135   b  discussed above, respectively, proximate to one another and complementary to electrodes  230   a  and  235   a . In one exemplary embodiment, when refill portion  220  is appropriately connected to non-refill portion  210 , electrode  230   a  is connected to electrode  230   b , and electrode  235   a  is connected to electrode  235   b.    
   Electrodes  230   b  and  235   b , in one exemplary embodiment, are oriented within a reservoir  240  of refill portion  220 . In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, reservoir  240  stores a volatizable material  250  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  200 . Volatizable material  250  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). 
   In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir  240  also includes an absorbent material  255  oriented in proximity to electrodes  230   b  and  235   b . Absorbent material  255  may be any material capable of absorbing volatizable material  250  and expanding in size. Specifically, absorbent material  255  should be a material (e.g., a polymer) that, upon absorbing an amount of volatizable material  250 , absorbent material  255  expands sufficient to disrupt the connection between electrode  230   b  and electrode  235   b . In one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of absorbent material  255  is carbon black. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment of the invention, absorbent material  255  is a combination of carbon black and one or more suitable polymers. 
   Vapor-emitting device  200  includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  240  includes a low level of volatizable material  250  and/or reservoir  240  is empty, similar to embodiments of the active end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  260  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  270  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  200  may include both light  260  and audible device  270  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  200  may include one or more plug receptacles  280 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  200 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  290  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  200  function such that when sufficient volatizable material  250  is present in reservoir  240 , absorbent material  255  enlarges preventing electrode  230   b  from contacting electrode  235   b , which effectively disrupts the end of use indicator circuit. When sufficient volatizable material  250  is not present within reservoir  240 , absorbent material  255  contracts such that the end of use indicator circuit is completed (i.e., electrode  230   b  contacts electrode  235   b ), and the end of use indicator (e.g., light  260 , audible device  270 , and/or the like) is actuated. For example, when volatizable material  250  absorbed by absorbent material  255  is evaporated or caused to be evaporated, the connection between electrode  230   b  and electrode  235   b  is no longer disrupted and the end of use indicator may illuminate (e.g., when the end of use indicator is light  260 ) and/or emit a continuous or intermittent sound (e.g., when the end of use indicator is audible device  270  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  220  or vapor-emitting device  200  needs to be replaced. 
     FIG. 3  is a diagram of yet another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  300  including an intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  300  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. Similar to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  illustrates an anterior view of one embodiment of a non-refill portion  310 , and a posterior view of one embodiment of a refill portion  320 . 
   Non-refill portion  310 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes electrodes  330   a  and  335   a  similar to electrodes  130   a  and  135   a  discussed above. Furthermore, refill portion  320  includes electrodes  330   b  and  335   b  similar to electrodes  130   b  and  135   b  discussed above, respectively, proximate to one another and complementary to electrodes  330   a  and  335   a . In one exemplary embodiment, when refill portion  320  is appropriately connected to non-refill portion  310 , electrode  330   a  is connected to electrode  330   b , and electrode  335   a  is connected to electrode  335   b . Electrodes  330   b  and  335   b , in one exemplary embodiment, are oriented within a reservoir  340  of refill portion  320 . 
   In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, reservoir  340  stores a volatizable material  350  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  300 . Volatizable material  350  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). 
   In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir  340  also includes a buoyant material  354  connected to electrode  330   b  via a conducting wire  358 . Buoyant material  354  may be any hollow, solid, foamed and/or blown structure made of material(s) that when taken, in total, include a density lower than that of volatizable material  350 . Furthermore, conducting wire  358  may be formed of any material known in the art capable of conducting electrical current. For example, conducting wire  358  may be formed of copper, aluminum, and the like. 
   Vapor-emitting device  300  includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  340  includes a low level of volatizable material  350  and/or reservoir  340  is empty, similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  360  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  370  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  300  may include both light  360  and audible device  370  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  300  may include one or more plug receptacles  380 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  300 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  390  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  300  function such that as volatizable material  350  is evaporated, buoyant material  354  is caused to move towards electrode  335   b . When volatizable material  350  is sufficiently evaporated (or caused to be evaporated), buoyant material  354  is caused to move such that conducting wire  358  contacts both electrode  330   b  and electrode  335   b , thus completing the end of use indicator circuit. When the end of use indicator circuit is completed, the end of use indicator (e.g., light  360 , audible device  370 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  360 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  370  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  320  or vapor-emitting device  300  needs to be replaced. 
     FIG. 4  is a diagram of still another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  400  including an intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  400  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. Similar to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates an anterior view of one embodiment of a non-refill portion  410 , and a posterior view of one embodiment of a refill portion  420 . 
   Non-refill portion  410 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes electrodes  430   a  and  435   a  similar to electrodes  130   a  and  135   a  discussed above. Furthermore, refill portion  420  includes electrodes  430   b  and  435   b  similar to electrodes  130   b  and  135   b  discussed above, respectively, oriented proximate to one another and complementary to electrodes  430   a  and  435   a . In one exemplary embodiment, when refill portion  420  is appropriately connected to non-refill portion  410 , electrode  430   a  contacts electrode  430   b  and electrode  435   a  contacts electrode  435   b.    
   In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, reservoir  440  stores a volatizable material  450  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  400 . Volatizable material  450  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). 
   In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir  440  also includes a buoyant conductive material  454 . Buoyant conductive material  454  may be any hollow, solid, foamed and/or blown structure made of material(s) that is/are coated and/or blended with a conductive material such that that when taken, in total, the material includes a density lower than that of volatizable material  450 . Examples of buoyant conductive material  454  includes, but are not limited to, metals, carbon black, indium tin oxide, and the like. 
   Reservoir  440 , in yet another exemplary embodiment, includes a funnel  458  configured to direct buoyant conductive material  454  towards electrodes  430   b  and  435   b  as volatizable material  450  is evaporated or caused to be evaporated. Notably, electrodes  430   b  and/or  435   b  are oriented such that they are spaced apart less than the diameter of buoyant conductive material  454  so that when buoyant conductive material  454  is directed by funnel  458  towards electrodes  430   b  and  435   b , buoyant conductive material  454  will eventually contact both electrodes  430   b  and  435   b.    
   In another embodiment, reservoir  440  includes a barrier  465  to prevent buoyant conductive material  454  from entering areas of reservoir  440  that will not direct buoyant conductive material  454  towards funnel  458 . In various exemplary embodiments, funnel  458  and/or barrier  465  include pours/apertures (not shown) such that volatizable material  450  may flow through funnel  458  and/or barrier  465 . As such, these pours/apertures should be large enough to allow volatizable material  450  to flow through, but small enough to prevent buoyant conductive material  454  from entering and/or becoming trapped with the pours/apertures. 
   Vapor-emitting device  400  also includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  440  includes a low level of volatizable material  450  and/or reservoir  440  is empty similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  460  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  470  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  400  may include both light  460  and audible device  470  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  400  may include one or more plug receptacles  480 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  400 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  490  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  400  function such that as volatizable material  450  is evaporated, buoyant conductive material  454  is caused to move towards funnel  458 . As volatizable material  450  is further evaporated, funnel  458  directs buoyant conductive material  454  towards electrodes  430   b  and  435   b . When volatizable material  450  is sufficiently evaporated (or caused to be evaporated), buoyant conductive material  454  will connect electrodes  430   b  and  435   b , thus completing the end of use indicator circuit. When the end of use indicator circuit is completed, the end of use indicator (e.g., light  460 , audible device  470 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  460 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  470  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  420  or vapor-emitting device  400  needs to be replaced. 
     FIG. 5  is a diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  500  including a non-intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  500  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, vapor-emitting device  500  includes a non-refill portion  510  and a refill portion  520 . Non-refill portion  510 , in one embodiment, includes an infrared light source  552 , wherein infrared light source  552  is any light, device, and/or components capable of emitting infrared light. In another exemplary embodiment, non-refill portion  510  includes an infrared light sensor  554 , wherein infrared light sensor  554  is any device and/or components known in the art capable of detecting infrared light. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment, infrared light sensor  554  is a photodiode. 
   Refill portion  520  includes a reservoir  540  to store a volatizable material  550  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  500 , wherein volatizable material  550  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). 
   In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, volatizable material  550  includes an infrared light absorbing material. Examples of infrared light absorbing materials suitable for use in volatizable material  550  include, but are not limited to, dyes based on tetrakis amminium structures such as the Epolite series of infrared absorbent dyes. In addition, the invention contemplates that volatizable material  550  may include any material capable of preventing infrared light from passing through volatizable material  550 . 
   In still another exemplary embodiment, vapor-emitting device  500  includes a reflective material  556  oriented to reflect infrared light emitted from infrared light source  552  to infrared light sensor  554 . Reflective material  556  may be oriented within reservoir  540  and/or on refill portion  520  so long as infrared light emitted from infrared light source  552  is capable of being reflected to infrared light sensor  554 . 
   Vapor-emitting device  500  also includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  540  includes a low level of volatizable material  550  and/or reservoir  540  is empty similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  560  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  570  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  500  may include both light  560  and audible device  570  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  500  may include one or more plug receptacles  580 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  500 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  590  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  500  function such that when sufficient volatizable material  550  is present within reservoir  540 , infrared light emitted from infrared light source  552  is substantially prevented from being reflected by reflective material  556  to infrared light sensor  554 . In other words, the infrared light is substantially absorbed by volatizable material  150  such that infrared light sensor  554  does not detect any infrared light. As volatizable material  550  is substantially or completely evaporated, infrared light is reflected by reflective material  556  to infrared light sensor  554 . When infrared light sensor  554  detects infrared light, the end of use indicator (e.g., light  560 , audible device  570 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  560 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  570  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  520  or vapor-emitting device  500  needs to be replaced. 
     FIG. 6  is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  600  including a non-intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  600  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, vapor-emitting device  600  includes a non-refill portion  610  and a refill portion  620 . Non-refill portion  610 , in one embodiment, includes an infrared light source  652 , wherein infrared light source  652  is any light, device, and/or components capable of emitting infrared light. Non-refill portion  610 , in another embodiment, includes an infrared light sensor  654 , which may be any device and/or components capable of detecting infrared light. In accordance with an aspect of one exemplary embodiment, infrared light sensor  654  is a photodiode. Furthermore, infrared light sensor  654  is suitably oriented on non-refill portion  610  such that infrared light emitted from infrared light source  652  is capable of being reflected to infrared light sensor  654 . 
   In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, refill portion  620  includes a reservoir  640  to store a volatizable material  650  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  600 . Volatizable material  650  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, volatizable material  650  includes an infrared light reflecting material. Examples of infrared light reflecting materials suitable for use in volatizable material  650  include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide, gold plating, and other reflective surface or blend materials that include infrared spectra that indicate reflection at a desired wavelength. In addition, the invention contemplates that volatizable material  650  may include any material capable of suitably reflecting infrared light. 
   Vapor-emitting device  600  also includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  640  includes a low level of volatizable material  650  and/or reservoir  640  is empty similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  660  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  670  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  600  may include both light  660  and audible device  670  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  600  may include one or more plug receptacles  680 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  600 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  690  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  600  function such that when sufficient volatizable material  650  is present within reservoir  640 , infrared light emitted from infrared light source  652  is substantially reflected by volatizable material  650  towards infrared light sensor  654 . As volatizable material  650  is evaporated, infrared light is no longer reflected to infrared light sensor  654 . When infrared light sensor  654  no longer detects infrared light, the end of use indicator (e.g., light  660 , audible device  670 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  660 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  670  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  620  or vapor-emitting device  600  needs to be replaced. 
     FIG. 7  is a diagram of yet another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  700  including a non-intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  700  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. Similar to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 7  illustrates an anterior view of one embodiment of a non-refill portion  710 , and a posterior view of one embodiment of a refill portion  720 . 
   Non-refill portion  710 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes one or more magnetic sensors  725 . Magnetic sensor  725  may be any sensor, device, and/or components(s) capable of detecting a magnetic device and actuating an end of user indicator when a magnetic substance is detected. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, a reservoir  740  is included as at least a portion of refill portion  720 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, reservoir  740  stores a volatizable material  750  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  700 . Volatizable material  750  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). 
   In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir  740  also includes a buoyant magnetic material  754 . Buoyant magnetic material  754  may be any magnetic material capable of floating on/within volatizable material  750  and capable of being detected by magnetic sensor  725 , and may include any suitable shape (e.g., a sphere). Examples of buoyant magnetic material  754  include, but are not limited to, the buoyant materials discussed above, wherein the material(s) include rare earth magnets and/or any other magnetic material such that the total density of the object is less than that of volatizable material  750 . Reservoir  740 , in yet another exemplary embodiment, includes a funnel  758  configured to direct buoyant magnetic material  754  towards magnetic sensor  725  as volatizable material  750  is evaporated or caused to be evaporated. Notably, magnetic sensor  725  may be oriented in any manner that allows buoyant magnetic material  754  to contact magnetic sensor  725  via funnel  758  as volatizable material  750  is vaporated or caused to be evaporated. 
   In yet another exemplary embodiment, reservoir  740  includes a barrier  765  to prevent buoyant magnetic material  754  from entering areas of reservoir  740  that will not direct buoyant magnetic material  754  towards funnel  758 . In various exemplary embodiments, funnel  758  and/or barrier  765  include pours/apertures similar to embodiments of funnel  458  and/or barrier  465  discussed above. 
   Vapor-emitting device  700  also includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  740  includes a low level of volatizable material  750  and/or reservoir  740  is empty, similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  760  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  770  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  700  may include both light  760  and audible device  770  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  700  may include one or more plug receptacles  780 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  700 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  790  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  700  function such that as volatizable material  750  is evaporated, buoyant magnetic material  754  is caused to move towards funnel  758 . As volatizable material  750  is further evaporated, funnel  758  directs buoyant conductive material  754  towards magnetic sensor  725 . When volatizable material  750  is sufficiently evaporated or caused to be evaporated, buoyant magnetic material  754  will be sensed by magnetic senor  725 , and the need of use indicator (e.g., light  760 , audible device  770 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  760 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  770  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  720  or vapor-emitting device  700  needs to be replaced. 
     FIG. 8  is a diagram of still another exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  800  including a non-intrusive end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  800  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated similar to vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. Similar to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 8  illustrates an anterior view of one embodiment of a non refill portion  810 , and a posterior view of one embodiment of a refill portion  820 . 
   Non-refill portion  810 , in one exemplary embodiment, includes an electrode  830   a  similar to electrode  130   a  discussed above, and a second electrode  835   a  similar to electrode  135   a  discussed above. Electrodes  830   a  and  835   a , in one exemplary embodiment, are oriented adjacent to a reservoir  840  included within refill portion  820  when refill portion  810  is appropriately connected to non-refill portion  820 . Furthermore, a conducting wire  854  is connected to one of electrode  830   a  or electrode  835   a . Conducting wire  854  may be formed of any suitable material known in the art capable of conducting current. For example, conducting wire  854  may be copper, aluminum, and the like. Moreover, conducting wire  854  is oriented such that a magnetic field is capable of attracting in a manner which will connect electrode  830   a  to electrode  835   a.    
   In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, reservoir  840  stores a volatizable material  850  to be evaporated by or caused to be evaporated within vapor-emitting device  800 . Volatizable material  850  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). 
   In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir  840  also includes a buoyant magnetic material  852  in it. Buoyant magnetic material  852  may be any magnetic material capable of floating on/within volatizable material  850 , and may include any suitable shape (e.g., a sphere) similar to buoyant magnetic material  754  discussed above. 
   Reservoir  840 , in yet another exemplary embodiment, includes a funnel  858  configured to direct buoyant magnetic material  852  towards the focus  875  of funnel  858  as volatizable material  850  is evaporated or caused to be evaporated. In one exemplary embodiment, funnel  858  (and thus focus  875 ) is oriented such that when buoyant magnetic material  852  is located at focus  875  conductive wire  854  is attracted to buoyant magnetic material  852 , and conductive wire  854  contacts both electrode  830   a  and electrode  835   a.    
   In another embodiment, reservoir  840  includes a barrier  865  to prevent buoyant magnetic material  852  from entering areas of reservoir  840  that will not direct buoyant magnetic material  852  towards funnel  858 . In various exemplary embodiments, funnel  858  and/or barrier  865  include pours/apertures similar to embodiments of funnel  458  and/or barrier  465  discussed above. 
   Vapor-emitting device  800  also includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  840  includes a low level of volatizable material  850  and/or reservoir  840  is empty, similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  860  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  870  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  800  may include both light  860  and audible device  870  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. In addition, vapor-emitting device  800  may include one or more plug receptacles  880 , and/or may be configured to mimic a standard outlet similar to plug receptacles  180  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  800 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  890  similar to power source  190  discussed above. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  800  function such that as volatizable material  850  is evaporated, buoyant magnetic material  852  is caused to move towards funnel  858 . As volatizable material  850  is further evaporated, funnel  858  directs buoyant conductive material  852  towards focus  875 . When volatizable material  850  is sufficiently evaporated or caused to be evaporated, buoyant magnetic material  852  will eventually be located at focus  875  and cause conductive wire  854  to contact both electrode  830   a  and electrode  835   a , thus completing the end of use indicator circuit. When the end of use indicator circuit is completed, the end of use indicator (e.g., light  860 , audible device  870 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  860 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  870  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  820  or vapor-emitting device  800  needs to be replaced. 
   Notably, various embodiments of vapor-emitting devices  100 – 800  have been described as mimicking a standard electrical outlet. However, the present invention is not limited to such descriptions. In other words, vapor-emitting devices  100 – 800  may include any shape and/or configuration. Furthermore, vapor-emitting devices  100 – 800  may not include a refill portion as discussed, but may include the reservoir and its associated components as part of the non-refill portion. 
     FIG. 9  is a diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a vapor-emitting device  900  including a solar-powered, active end of use indicator. Vapor-emitting device  900  may be any device and/or components known in the art capable of evaporating a volatizable material or causing a volatizable material to be evaporated. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, vapor-emitting device  900  includes a refill portion  920  and a non-refill portion  910 . Refill portion  920 , in an exemplary embodiment, includes a wick  925  connected to a reservoir  940 , similar to reservoir  140 , configured to store a volatizable material  950 , wherein volatizable material  950  may be any volatizable material known in the art capable of, for example, altering the scent in an environment (e.g., a fragrance) and/or discouraging insects and other creatures from being present in the environment (e.g., an insecticide, an insect repellant, and the like). In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, reservoir  940  also includes a buoyant magnetic material  952 , similar to buoyant magnetic material  852  discussed above. 
   Non-refill portion  910 , in an exemplary embodiment, includes an emitter pad  915 , wherein emitter pad  915  may be any emitter pad known in the art and/or any device suitably configured to emit a vapor. Furthermore, non-refill portion  910  includes a magnetic sensor  954  similar to magnetic sensor  725  discussed above. 
   Vapor-emitting device  900  also includes an active end of use indicator to alert a user that reservoir  940  includes a low level of volatizable material  950  and/or reservoir  940  is empty, similar to embodiments of the end of use indicator discussed above. In one exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is a light  960  similar to light  160  discussed above. In another exemplary embodiment, the end of use indicator is an audible device  970  similar to audible device  170  discussed above. Furthermore, vapor-emitting  900  may include both light  960  and audible device  970  similar to embodiments of vapor-emitting device  100  discussed above. Moreover, vapor-emitting device  900 , in various embodiments, includes a power source  990  similar to power source  190  discussed above. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , power source  990  is a solar cell. 
   Various embodiments of vapor-emitting device  900  function such that as volatizable material  950  is evaporated, buoyant magnetic material  952  is caused to move towards magnetic senor  954 . When volatizable material  950  is sufficiently evaporated or caused to be evaporated, buoyant magnetic material  952  is sensed by magnetic senor  954 , and the end of use indicator (e.g., light  960 , audible device  970 , and/or the like) is actuated (e.g., illuminated when the end of use indicator is light  960 , and/or emits a continuous or intermittent sound when the end of use indicator is audible device  970  (i.e., a speaker)) to alert the user that refill portion  920  or vapor-emitting device  900  needs to be replaced. 
   Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims or the invention. The scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.