Abstract:
To accomplish the task of removing foul air, the malodor ventilation apparatus has attachment members such as suction cups or a hook for easy installation in different locations. The apparatus has an inlet port for the intake of objectionable air and an outlet port to expel scented refreshed air. Air is drawn into the inlet port by a motorized fan that creates a pressure differential. The objectionable air is drawn through a porous filter. The porous filter is scented by several drops of a liquid scent. This scent is volatized into the malodorous air, changing the air into a pleasing aroma. The scented air is expelled and dissipated through an outlet port of the apparatus. Alternately, the apparatus can comprise a vent duct coupled to exhaust air from the outlet port.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This patent application claims priority under Title 35, United States Code Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/299,281 filed on Jun. 6, 2001, and Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/112,428, filed Mar. 29, 2002 which are incorporated in their entireties by reference and made a part hereof. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The invention relates generally to the field of odor ventilation and, more particularly, to venting and scenting malodorous air to render it inoffensive to the human sense of smell.  
         [0004]     2. Background Art  
         [0005]     The need for removal of offensive odors has long been recognized. Consequently, many forced air ventilation devices that filter noxious odors have been developed. However, these devices have been subject to various disadvantages. Such devices are typically inefficient in operation, unsightly in appearance, and/or costly to manufacture. In addition, such devices require expensive installation and/or cannot be placed at the source of the odor generation. Further, such devices have generally not been effective in treatment of malodorous air from the area in which the device is operated. As a result, many of these devices have not achieved as widespread commercial success as could be possible.  
         [0006]     Attempted elimination of noxious odors has been addressed in many ways including room exhaust fans, aerosol dispensed freshening deodorants, and forced air charcoal filtering. Many of these devices are intended for use in positions relatively far from the source of malodorous air and are thus rendered less effective for this reason. A further disadvantage of many such prior art devices is the large number of working parts that makes the device relatively complex to assemble and expensive to manufacture. A related problem is that such complex devices wear out or break relatively soon due to their numerous parts and part couplings that are critical to the device&#39;s operation. In general, the larger the number of parts and part couplings a device has, the sooner the device will wear out or break due to damage, wear, or displacement of one or more parts. Another problem is that many of the compact filtering units cannot eliminate or neutralize malodorous air. Other ventilation devices cannot be hidden or made less noticeable when attached to an object. The overall appearance of the device and object thus suffer. Moreover, many previous devices are unsightly and too large to be hidden from view. Furthermore, previous devices are not generally adaptable to be attached to different objects. Moreover, many previous devices have failed to provide an effective mechanism to control the fan. Additionally, other systems are not adaptable to remove or treat malodorous air from a multitude of locations. In many instances, malodorous source generation is in an inconvenient location in which a known filtering unit would be inadequate due to the lack of any mechanism to reach to an area near the source. In addition, some areas in which it may be desired to operate such devices are not proximate to a wall power outlet or other source of electric power. Another problem with previous devices is that many use activated charcoal as a filter media. It would be desirable to provide a filter that is more effective than charcoal in the elimination of odors from air. In addition, some previous devices are ineffective in obtaining their intended purpose, eliminating or treating malodorous air. It would be desirable if these disadvantages of previous devices could be overcome.  
         [0007]     Although a multitude of devices have been proposed for removing foul air, problems have arisen for the removal of the malodor from an interior portion of an object while circulating refreshed air. Consequently, there exists a continued need for an improved ventilating apparatus that can efficiently remove malodor from the air with an inexpensive apparatus capable of deployment with a multitude of different objects.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention, in its various embodiments and features, satisfies the aforementioned needs and overcomes the above-noted shortcomings of previous devices.  
         [0009]     An apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention functions to dissipate malodorous air. The apparatus comprises a casing, an element for removably attaching the casing to an object, a motorized fan, a conduit, an intake member, and an element for removably attaching the intake member to the object. The casing defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The motorized fan creates a partial vacuum or pressure differential that draws the air into the inlet port and exhausts the air from the outlet port. The conduit has a first end coupled to the casing&#39;s inlet port, and the intake member coupled to a second end of the conduit. The apparatus can further comprise an energy source coupled to the motorized fan. The energy source can be a battery and/or a transformer and electrical extension cord coupled to a wall outlet, for example. The motorized fan can be adaptable to selectively receive power from a battery housed within the casing or a wall outlet. In addition, the apparatus can comprise a timed duration control unit coupled to the motorized fan, that is controllable to activate the motorized fan for a period of time. The apparatus can comprise a switch coupled to the timed duration control unit, for activating the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan. The switch can comprise a motion or heat sensor that activates the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan, based on movement or heat of a person&#39;s body in proximity to the object. Alternatively, the switch can comprise a sensor for detecting pressure for activation of the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan, based on force applied by a person. Force can be applied by either the weight of the person&#39;s body or pressing the switch with a finger, for example. Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described features, the switch can be manipulated by a person to activate the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan. The apparatus can further comprise an element coupled to the switch, for removably attaching the switch to the object. The timed duration control unit can be functional to provide the energy source from an internal or external energy source. The object can be a toilet stand, cat litter box, or a waste disposal container, for example. Moreover, the apparatus can comprise a porous filter situated with respect to the casing so as to receive air from the inlet port, and a liquid or oil fragrance for application to the porous filter, for treating the air from the inlet port so as to be fragrant upon passing through the filter. The porous filter can comprise a paper, natural or synthetic fiber material, or charcoal, for example, and is absorbent to allow the liquid or oil fragrance to permeate it. The apparatus can further comprise an inlet nozzle member coupled to the casing and the conduit to duct air from the conduit to the inlet port of the casing. The inlet nozzle member can define a relatively wide opening where it meets with the casing and a relatively narrow opening where is meets with the conduit. The inlet nozzle member defines a passage between its two openings to channel air through such member. The elements used to removably attach the casing, intake member and/or switch to the object can be one or more suctions cups or hooked members, for example. The elements used to removably attached the casing, intake member and/or switch to the object can comprise one or more suction cups or hooked members, for example. The conduit can comprise a flexible hose for ducting the air from the intake member to the casing&#39;s inlet port. The apparatus can comprise a vent duct coupled to the casing to vent air from the outlet port.  
         [0010]     An apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention comprises a casing, attachment member, motorized fan, and inlet nozzle member. The casing defines an inlet port and an outlet port. The attachment member is coupled to the casing, and is used to removably attach the casing to an object. The motorized fan creates a partial vacuum that draws the air into the inlet port and exhausts the air from the outlet port. The inlet nozzle member is coupled to the casing and defines a passage with a relatively wide opening meeting with the inlet port of the casing and a relatively narrow opening opposite the relatively wide opening. The apparatus can comprise an energy source coupled to the motorized fan. The energy source can comprise a battery and/or a transformer coupled to receive power from a wall outlet. The motorized fan is adaptable to selectively receive power from a battery housed within the casing or a wall outlet. The timed duration control unit coupled to the motorized fan, and controllable to activate the motorized fan for a period of time. The apparatus can comprise a switch coupled to the timed duration control unit, for activating the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan. The switch can comprise a motion or heat sensor that activates the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan, based on movement or heat of a person&#39;s body in proximity to the object. Alternatively, the switch can comprise a pressure sensor for activation of the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan, based on finger force or weight of a person&#39;s body. The switch can be manipulated by a person to activate the timed duration control unit to operate the motorized fan. The apparatus can further comprise an element coupled to the switch, for removably attaching the switch to the object. The timed duration control unit can be functional to provide the energy source from an internal or external energy source. The object to which the apparatus is attached can be a toilet stand, waste disposal container, or cat litter box, for example. The apparatus can further comprise a porous filter situated with respect to the casing so as to receive air from the inlet port, and a liquid or oil fragrance applied to the porous filter, for treating the air from the inlet port so as to be fragrant upon passing through the filter. The apparatus can further comprise a conduit having a first end coupled to the inlet nozzle member at its relatively narrow opening, an intake member coupled to a second end of the conduit, and at least one element coupled to the intake member, for removably attaching the intake member to the object. The conduit can comprise a flexible hose. The inlet nozzle member can be removably attached to the casing. The apparatus can comprise a vent duct coupled to the casing to vent air from the outlet port.  
         [0011]     In the above-described aspects of the invention, the casing, intake member, and inlet nozzle member can be made of rigid materials such as hard plastic or metal, for example. The conduit can be a hose made of flexible rubber material or plastic material. The plastic material is optionally transparent. The attachment members, if implemented as suctions cups, can be composed of resilient, high-friction plastic material to grip the object to which they are attached. If implemented as hooked members, such elements can be composed of hard plastic or metal. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     Benefits and further features of the present invention will be apparent from a detailed description of embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like elements are referenced with like numbers, and wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric top view of an embodiment of a malodor ventilation apparatus with an intake member.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric bottom view of an embodiment of a malodor ventilation apparatus with an inlet extension defined by a conduit and intake member.  
         [0015]      FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  3 C,  3 D are bottom, front, left, and right views of an embodiment of a malodor ventilation apparatus.  
         [0016]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are plan and rear views of an embodiment of a malodor ventilation apparatus.  
         [0017]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are isometric views of an embodiment of a malodor ventilation apparatus with a fixed inlet nozzle.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C are views of an embodiment of internal ventilating elements and related parts of malodor ventilation apparatus in accordance with the invention.  
         [0019]      FIGS. 7A, 7B  and  7 C are views of an embodiment of a filter assembly of the ventilation apparatus of the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a circuit diagram of the apparatus in accordance with the invention.  
         [0021]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are two versions of the apparatus applied to use with a waste disposal container.  
         [0022]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are two versions of the apparatus applied to use with a toilet stand.  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet stand showing a version of the apparatus with hook attachment member and brace.  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a view of a version of the apparatus with circular intake member.  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the apparatus with vent duct accessory.  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the apparatus using the vent duct accessory to vent air into a wall space and/or through the wall to external air.  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the apparatus using the vent duct accessory to vent air through a window to external air.  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the apparatus using the vent duct accessory to vent air into a duct of a ceiling fan. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     The described embodiment discloses an apparatus that provides an efficient, compact, and reliable method of ventilating malodorous air from an area. An embodiment of the new and improved ventilating apparatus embodying the principle and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the numeral  100  will be described.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus  100  of the invention generally comprises a casing  110 , an inlet nozzle member  130 , an intake member  140 , a switch  150 , and a conduit  170 . The apparatus  100  also comprises internal ventilating elements  600  that are not shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but are shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0031]     The casing  110  comprises a top casing part  120  and a bottom casing part  280  that define an enclosure to house and protect the internal ventilating elements  600 . The top casing part  120  comprises a latching mechanism  224  to snap the top casing part firmly in place with the bottom casing part  280 . An embodiment of the top latching mechanism  224  includes a plastic protrusion designed to snap into the latching receptacle  284 . Although only one latching mechanism  224  and corresponding receptacle  284  are shown in  FIG. 2 , latching of the top casing part  120  to the bottom casing part  280  can be accomplished by a series of protrusions  224  that snap into corresponding latching receptacles  284  to hold the top and bottom parts  120 ,  280  together. Screws  286  can further secure the top casing part  120  and the bottom casing part  280 . The screws  286  are threaded through screw holes  288  defined in the bottom casing part  280 , and screwed into the top casing part  120  to hold together the top and bottom casing parts. The internal ventilating elements  600  (see  FIG. 6 ) and associated batteries for powering such elements can thus be contained and secured within the casing  110  for their protection. In addition, the casing  110  provides for a compact arrangement and attractive appearance for the apparatus  100 .  
         [0032]     The bottom casing part  280  includes two attachment members  282 . The attachment members  282  can comprise suction cups that enable the apparatus  100  to be easily and securely placed where desired. However, the attachment members  282  can be removable from an object to which the apparatus  100  is attached so that the apparatus can be moved to another location at a later time if desired.  
         [0033]     The bottom casing part  280  can comprise stabilization feet  290 . The stabilization feet  290  protrude from the bottom casing part  280  at spaced positions on such part to prevent wobbling and to enable the apparatus  100  to rest stably on an object. The malodor ventilation apparatus  100  can be placed inside trash receptacles, on a toilet stand, a cat litter box or wherever objectionable odors originate.  
         [0034]     As previously mentioned, the ventilation apparatus  100  comprises the switch  150 . The switch  150  is electrically coupled to the internal ventilating elements  600  of the apparatus  100  by electrically conductive switch wires  155 . Upon activation of the switch  150 , the internal ventilating elements  600  of the apparatus  100  optionally can run for a predetermined time period from a fraction of a second to several hours or more, several minutes being sufficient for many applications. A switch suction cup  152  attached to the switch  150  allows for easy, secure, and movable placement on an object. The switch  150  can thus be conveniently located for easy activation of the unit  100 . Optionally, the switch  150  may also be a motion or heat sensor for activation of the unit  100 . Hence, the malodor ventilation apparatus  100  can be configured for multiple activation methods.  
         [0035]     The top casing part  120  contains battery access ports  122  for easy access to insert and replace batteries as needed. The device  100  can also have an external power input plug  324  shown in  FIG. 3A  for operation with an external power source (not shown). Hence, the ventilation apparatus  100  can be operated to power internal ventilating parts  600  using batteries  620  and/or external power provided from a wall outlet, for example. An embodiment of the apparatus  100  comprises an intake member  140  as depicted with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The intake member  140  can be used to extend the suction inlet of the apparatus  100  into an area in which the casing  110  cannot fit or in which it may not be desirable to locate the device for reasons of appearance or interference with operation of the object to which the apparatus is attached, for example. An attachment member  142  is mounted to the intake member  140  to removably attach such part to an object. The attachment member  142  can be a suction cup, for example. The extended inlet part  140  can be coupled to an inlet nozzle member  130  that communicates with the inlet port of the casing  120 . The inlet nozzle member  130  defines a sleeve  132  configured to mount tightly over the apparatus inlet lips  323  of the inlet port defined in the casing  110  shown in reference to  FIG. 3A . The inlet nozzle member  130  also has a connection nose  134  designed to form fit within the conduit  170 . The conduit  170  can be a flexible tube or hose, for example. Preferably, the conduit  170  has sufficient resilience that its internal passage is not blocked if the conduit is bent. The flexible connection hose  170  connects with the nozzle connector  160  such that it fits securely within the inside of the flexible hose  170  in airtight engagement therewith. The nozzle connector  160  also has an extended neck section  165  that fits loosely inside an outer neck ring  144  of the extended inlet part  140 . The outer neck ring  144  enables the extended inlet part  140  to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees while maintaining airtight coupling to the nozzle connector  160  that is sufficient to ventilate malodorous air. The attachment member  142  is attached by a screw  243  to the inlet attachment member rotatable flap  245 . The inlet attachment member rotatable flap  245  is attached to the intake member  140  by a hinge  241 . The hinge  241  enables the attachment member  142  to rotate from zero to approximately one-hundred-eighty degrees about the bottom plane of the intake member  140 .  
         [0036]     The ability of the intake member  140  to rotate around the nozzle connector  160  and the ability of the attachment member  142  to rotate relative to the part  140  provide enhanced flexibility to position the intake member  140  at a desired location to maximize the ability to draw malodorous air in proximity to its source. As shown, the extended inlet  140  provides the apparatus  100  with flexibility to acquire objectionable air from remote structures.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are various views of elements of the apparatus  100  that have been previously described for the most part. Referring to  FIG. 3A , the casing  110  comprises top and bottom casing parts  120 ,  280  that when joined together define inlet lips  323  that engage with inlet nozzle member  130 . The inlet lips  323  surround and define the casing&#39;s inlet port  325 . Also visible in  FIG. 3A  are attachment members  282  mounted to bottom casing part  280  for removably attaching the apparatus  100  to an object. Further visible in  FIG. 3A  are battery access ports  122  that can be used to insert or extract batteries in the apparatus  100  to power the internal ventilating elements  600 .  FIG. 3A  also shows the switch  150  and its attachment member  152  to attach such switch to an object. Conductive wires  155  are coupled to the switch  150  and the internal ventilating elements  600 , and extend through slit  327  defined for this purpose in the top casing part  120 .  FIG. 3B  is a view of the bottom casing part  280  and associated elements. The bottom casing part  280  has attachment members  282  mounted thereto by screws  283  inserted in respective holes  285  defined in the bottom casing part  280  to secure the attachment members to the casing  110 . In  FIG. 3C  plug  324  is clearly shown in the side of the apparatus  100 . Such plug  324  can be coupled to an eight Volt power transformer, for example, to power the apparatus  100  in lieu of or in addition to battery power. In  FIG. 3D  the top casing part  120  defines a slit  327  through which can be passed the conductive wires  155  coupling the switch  150  to the internal ventilating elements  600  of the apparatus  100 .  
         [0038]     In  FIGS. 4A and 4B  the apparatus  100  comprises a plurality of latching mechanisms  224  formed in bottom casing part  280  that engage with respective receptacles  284  defined in the top casing part  120  to hold together the top and bottom casing parts. Outlet port  413  is shown defined in the top casing part  120 . The outlet port  413  exhausts air drawn from the inlet port through the apparatus  100  by the internal ventilating elements  600 . Switch  150  with attachment member  152  and battery access ports  122  are also shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  
         [0039]     In  FIGS. 5A and 5B  the apparatus  100  comprises an inlet nozzle member  530  that replaces the inlet nozzle member  130 , conduit  170 , and intake member  140 . The fixed inlet nozzle member  530  functions to focus the area in which the objectionable air is drawn. Additionally, the inlet nozzle member  530  protects the internal components of the malodor ventilation apparatus  100  from splash and other debris. The fixed inlet nozzle member  530  defines an internal passage extending from end  132  defining a relatively wide opening to end  534  defining a relatively narrow opening  534 . The opening of the wide end  532  can be designed to press fit onto the inlet lips  323  of casing  110 . Consequently, the fixed inlet nozzle member  530  can be easily removed for cleaning and reattached to the casing  110 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the internal ventilating elements  600  of the malodor ventilation apparatus  100 . The switch  150  causes the activation of a motorized fan  690 . The motorized fan  690  is powered by two “D-size” batteries  620  and/or via an external power source coupled to power the motorized fan  690  via the electric plug  324 . Two batteries  620 ′,  620 ″ operate in series to power the motorized fan  690 . More specifically, the anode of the first battery  620 ′ physically contacts a first metal spring  616 ′. The first metal spring  616 ′ is physically and electronically coupled to a first metal spring plate  614 ′. The spring plate  614 ′ is coupled via line  625  to a control unit  601  of the apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 6B  the cathodes of the batteries  620 ′,  620 ″ have associated therewith respective battery access ports  122 . These have keys  623  on opposite sides of the ports  122 . The port  122  is positioned over the aperture  623  so that its keys  623  are inserted in respective notches  623  defined adjacent the aperture  625  in the top casing part  120 . By placing the keys  623  in the notches  625  and by rotating the ports  122  to a degree so that the keys  623  move past the notches, the keys  623  engage with the top casing part  110  and hold the ports  122  to the top casing part  120 . The ports  122  are each provided with a metal battery cover plate  622 . If the port  122  is secured to the top casing part  120  with the battery  620 ′ inside of the casing  110 , the cover plate  622  engages with the protruding cathode of the battery  620 ′ to make electrical contact therewith. The cover plate  622  further extends to and makes electrical contact with a second metal battery base plate  622 ′ when properly positioned. The second metal battery base plate  622 ′ is mounted to the top casing part  120  and is coupled via insulated conductive line  627  to the second spring plate  614 ″. The spring plate  614 ″ is coupled to the spring  616 ″ that makes physical and electrical contact with the anode of the battery  620 ″. A similar port  122  to that previously described is fitted to the top casing part  120  so that it is base plate  622  makes electrical contact with the base plate  622 ″. The base plate  622 ″ is mounted to the bottom casing part  280  and is electrically coupled to insulated conductive wire  629 . The wire  629  coupled the base plate  622 ″ to the control unit  601 . Thus, the control unit  601  receives electric power from batteries  620 ′,  620 ″.  
         [0041]     The control unit  601  is coupled via conductive wires  631 ,  633  to plug  324 . A three-volt AC-to-DC transformer or converter can be attached to a wall outlet and coupled to the plug  324  to provide electric power to the control unit  601 . The control unit  601  is also coupled to conductive wires  155  from the switch  150 . The control unit  601  can be in the form of a circuit board such as a model no. CBJFTO1 commercially available from Products of Tomorrow, Inc. of New Jersey and Hong Kong. The control unit receives an input signal from the external switch  150  via the switch wires  155  upon activation of the switch. The control unit  601  activates the fan upon receipt of an input signal from the switch  150 . The control unit  601  can have a timer to deactivate the motorized fan  690  after a certain predetermined duration of time. Additionally, the control unit  601  can receive a signal indicating motion or heat from the switch  150  and activate the fan for a set period from which no significant motion or heat is detected. Control units  601  that are operable to control the function of a motorized fan  690  are well known in the art and can be purchased from numerous companies such as the afore-mentioned Products of Tomorrow, Inc. The control unit  601  can supply DC power to the motorized fan  690  via insulated conductive wires  635 ,  637 . These wires  635 ,  637  can be coupled to respective positive voltage and ground terminals  691 ,  692  to supply power to the motorized fan  690 . More specifically, the motorized fan  690  comprises a fan  693  and a DC motor  695 . If the terminals  691 ,  692  of the DC motor  695  receive electric power from the control unit  601 , the DC motor  695  generates magnetic fields based on the electric power to rotate its rotor  697  and thereby also the fan  693  attached to such rotor. Due to the configuration of its blades  699 , the fan  693  creates a pressure differential that draws malodorous air into the casing  110  via its inlet port  325  and through the casing  110  to the outlet port  413  where it is exhausted and dissipated.  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C  in addition to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a filter unit  700  is physically installed in the filter chassis grove  610  defined in bottom casing part  280 . The filter unit  700  comprises a filter chassis  710  and a porous filter  715 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , respectively. The filter chassis  710  can be constructed of hard plastic and has a series of holes through which air can freely pass. A porous filter  715  is physically coupled to the filter chassis  710 , which can be accomplished by application of an adhesive, for example. The porous filter  715  is preferably a porous woven or compacted fiber fabric that can absorb liquid fragrances. The fibers composing the filter  715  can be wood pulp, cellulose, other plant, animal, and/or synthetic plastic fibers, for example. Liquid fragrances are well known in the art and can be commercially purchased at specialty shops or at large retailers such as the retailer operating under the trademark TARGET. As the air passes the porous filter  715 , the malodorous air becomes aromatized, and the refreshed air is delivered out of the export port  413 .  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the control unit  601  comprises a timer  802  and a power switch  804 . The timer  802  is coupled to the activation switch  150  via wires  155  to receive an input signal generated upon activation of the switch  150 . The timer  802  is coupled to the power switch  804 , and activates such power switch in response to activation the signal from the switch  150 . Upon activation, the power switch  804  supplies DC power to the motorized fan unit  690 . The power switch  804  can be coupled to batteries  620 ′,  620 ″ or an external DC power source via the plug  324 , as previously described. Upon activation, the power switch  804  enters a conductive state and supplies DC power from the batteries  620 ′,  620 ″ or the external DC power source, or both. The power switch  804  supplies the DC power to the DC motor  695  that rotates the rotor  697  to turn the fan  693 . The fan  693  draws air into the inlet port  325 , through the fan and casing  110  to the outlet port  413  where it is expelled and dissipated.  
         [0044]     The activation of the timer  802  by the switch  150  causes the timer to start measuring a predetermined amount of time starting from activation of the switch  150 . An event triggering the activation of the switch  150  can be either the first or last application of pressure, heat and/or motion, depending upon the nature of the switch  150 . Such time can be programmed or hardwired into the timer, and may be from one to thirty minutes, for example. The timer  802  maintains the activated state of the signal to the power switch  804  until the timer has counted out the predetermined time, at which time the timer  802  deactivates its signal to the power switch  804 . This causes the power switch  804  to enter a non-conductive state to cut off electric power to the motorized fan  690 , thereby stopping the fan  690 . Hence, power and wear on the apparatus  100  can be reduced by automatically turning off the apparatus when it is not needed.  
         [0045]      FIG. 9A  shows the apparatus  100  used with a waste disposal container  900 . The intake member  140  is attached inside container  900  with the attachment member  142 . The conduit  170  is coupled to the intake member  140  and extends to the casing  110  attached to the outside of the container  900  with the attachment members  282  and supported by stabilization feet  290 . The motorized fan  690  is coupled to receive electric power from batteries  620 ′,  620 ″ and/or via plug  342  coupled to external wall outlet  902  via a three-volt AC-to-DC converter  904 . The motorized fan  690  draws malodorous air from waste  908  via intake member  140 , conduit  170 , and inlet nozzle member  130 , and exhausts and dissipates such air via the casing&#39;s outlet port  413 . Alternatively, the intake member  140 , the conduit  170 , and the inlet nozzle member  130  can be removed, and inlet nozzle member  530  can be attached to the casing  110 , as shown in  FIG. 9B . In this case, if desired, the apparatus  100  can be attached to the inside surface of the container  900  using the attachment members  282  so that the inlet nozzle member  530  is arranged to draw malodorous air from waste  908  and to exhaust and dissipate this air, optionally after deodorization via filter  715  and volatile liquid fragrance applied thereto, from the casing&#39;s outlet port  413 .  
         [0046]     In  FIG. 10A  the apparatus  100  is applied to use with a toilet stand  906 . The casing  110  of the apparatus  100  is attached to the toilet stand  906  via attachment members  282  and is stabilized by the feet  290 . As previously described, the motorized fan  690  can be powered by the batteries  620 ′,  620 ″ and/or the wall outlet  902  via the converter  904 . The casing&#39;s inlet  325  is coupled to conduit  170 , connector  160 , and intake member  140 . The intake member  140  is attached to the toilet stand  906  via the attachment member  142  that is mounted to the rotatable flap  245  that is rotated downwardly from the bottom surface of the intake member  140 . The rotatable flap  245  is thus seen to facilitate attachment of the intake member  140  to the toilet stand  906  in a location in which the casing  110  may not fit. The switch  150  is attached to the toilet stand  906  and is coupled to the internal ventilating elements  600  of the apparatus  100 . The switch  150  can be pressure-, motion- and/or heat-activated. Upon activation via the switch  150 , the apparatus  100  draws malodorous air via the intake member  140 , conduit  170 , and inlet nozzle member  130  using motorized fan  690  and dissipates same via outlet port  413 , optionally with application of deodorizing fragrance via volatile liquid applied to the filter  170 .  FIG. 10B  shows an alternative configuration of the apparatus  100  in which the inlet nozzle member  130 , the conduit  170 , and the intake member  140  are removed from the casing  110  of the apparatus  100 , and the inlet nozzle member  530  is attached to the casing  110  of the apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  thus draws malodorous air via the inlet nozzle member  530  and dissipates it via the outlet port  413 , optionally with deodorization applied via volatile fragrance from the filter  715  within such apparatus.  
         [0047]      FIG. 11A  is a view of the apparatus  100  applied to use with a cat litter box  1100 . The apparatus  100  is attached to the exterior of the cat litter box  1100  with attachment members  282  and is stabilized by the feet  290 . The intake member  140  can be attached to the interior of the cat litter box with the attachment member  142 . The sensor  150  is attached to an interior surface of the cat litter box  1100  with attachment member  152 . The sensor  150  can be a motion or heat sensor, for example. In operation, if a cat enters the litter box  1100 , the motion or heat sensor  150  detects movement or heat of the cat and generates a signal that travels on conductive line  155  to the control unit  601 . In turn, the control unit  601  activates the motorized fan  690 . The motorized fan  690  creates a pressure differential that draws malodorous air through intake member  140 , conduit  170 , and inlet nozzle member  130 . The malodorous air passes through filter  715 . Optional liquid fragrance, if applied to the filter  715 , volatizes into the air passing through the filter to neutralize its scent. The air passes through the blades of the motorized fan and is expelled and dissipated via vent  413 . After a predetermined time and/or if motion or heat of the cat is no longer detected, the sensor  150  deactivates its signal to turn off the motorized fan  690 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 11B  shows an alternative configuration of the apparatus  100  in which the inlet nozzle member  130 , the conduit  170 , and the intake member  140  are removed from the casing  110  of the apparatus  100 , and the inlet nozzle member  530  is attached to the casing  110  of the apparatus  100  in replacement thereof. The apparatus  100  can be attached to the interior of the cat litter box  1100  with the attachment members  282  and is supported by the feet  290 . The sensor  150  is attached to an interior surface of the litter box  1100  with the attachment member  152 . Upon activation of the sensor  150  by movement or heat of a cat within the litter box  1100 , the motorized fan  690  is activated to draw air through inlet nozzle member  530 , optionally applies fragrance by drawing air through filter  715  treated with fragrant substance, and expels and dissipates such air through vent  413 . After cat movement or heat stops, indicating the cat has left the litter box, and/or after a predetermined time expires, the signal supplied from the sensor  150  deactivates and the motorized fan  690  stops to conserve power and reduce wear on the apparatus  100 .  FIG. 12  shows an alternative configuration for the attachment member  282 . In this configuration, the attachment member  282  is a hook member that engages with the rim of a toilet bowl to hold the apparatus  100  in place against the toilet stand. The hook member extends from the inlet nozzle member  130  and is positioned so as to be under the lowered seat of the toilet stand. The apparatus  100  of  FIG. 12  also comprises a brace  910  that extends from the casing  110  and contacts the side of the toilet bowl to support the apparatus  100 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 13  shows an alternative configuration of the apparatus  100  that comprises an intake member  912  configured to draw air either partially or totally around the circumference of the toilet bowl. The intake member  912  is hollow or tube-like in configuration and defines holes at intervals along its length. The intake member  912  is coupled to communicate with the inlet nozzle member  130  of the apparatus  100 . Accordingly, if the motorized fan  690  of the apparatus  100  is activated, the partial vacuum generated by the motorized fan draws in air through the defined holes along the circumferential extent of the intake member  912 . As another alternative configuration, the intake member  912  can be horseshoe- or arc-shaped extending only partially around the circumference of the toilet bowl.  
         [0050]      FIG. 14  shows a vent duct  920  which is an accessory for the apparatus  100 . The vent duct  920  can be coupled to any one of the configurations of the apparatus  100  disclosed herein. The vent duct  920  comprises a coupler  922  and a conduit  940 . The coupler  922  can be box-like in configuration, with a solid exterior defining an interior space and an opening  924  that communicates with the interior space. The coupler  922  has coupling members  926  fixed to the coupler  922  on opposite sides of the opening  924 . The coupling members  926  can be inserted into respective slots  928  defined in the casing  110  on opposite sides of the outlet port  413 . The coupling members  926  are resilient and have angled ends that force the coupling members  928  to move toward one another if inserted in the slots  928 . Once the angled portions of the coupling members  926  clear the surfaces of the casing  110  defining the slots  928 , they snap back to their unstressed position in which the angled portions of the coupling members  926  lock the coupler  920  to the casing  110 . At the end opposite the opening  924 , the coupler  920  has a tube extension  930 . The tube extension  930  can be inserted into conduit  940 . The conduit  940  can be composed of flexible material that stretches over and grips the tube extension  930 . Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive can be applied to an outer surface of the tube extension  930  and/or an inner surface of the conduit&#39;s end so that the coupler  920  is fixed to the conduit  940 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 15  is a view of the vent duct  920  applied to duct malodorous air from the outlet port  413  of the apparatus  100  through a wall plate  950  covering an opening in an interior wall of a house or building, for example. More specifically, if the apparatus  100  is activated, its motorized fan  690  draws in and drives the malodorous or treated air through the outlet port  413  into the vent duct  920 . The vent duct  920  passes through wall plate  950  and vents the malodorous or refreshed air into the wall space or entirely through the wall to be exhausted into outside air external to the house or building.  
         [0052]      FIG. 16  is a view of the vent duct  920  applied to duct air drawn into the apparatus  100  by motorized fan  690  and driven from the outlet port  413  of the apparatus  100  through the plate  950 . In  FIG. 16 , the plate  950  replaces a pane of a window  952 . The malodorous or refreshed air can thus be vented from the apparatus  100  to ambient air outside of a house or building.  
         [0053]      FIG. 17  is a view of the vent duct  920  applied to duct malodorous or refreshed air from the outlet port  413  of the apparatus  100  through a wall plate  950  into and through a wall space to a vent duct  954  of a ceiling fan  956 . The malodorous or refreshed air can thus be drawn into the apparatus  100  and driven by the motorized fan of the apparatus to the ceiling fan  956  that expels such air from the house or building.  
         [0054]     It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, it is the claims set forth below, and not merely the foregoing illustration, which are intended to define the exclusive rights of the invention.