Patent Publication Number: US-11653643-B2

Title: Device for creating and distributing vaporized scent

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/858,503 filed Dec. 29, 2017, which is a continuation application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/452,318 filed Mar. 7, 2017, U.S. Pat. No. 10,278,382, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/137,677 filed Apr. 25, 2016, U.S. Pat. No. 9,585,981 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/941,428 filed Nov. 13, 2015, U.S. Pat. No. 9,426,977; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/151,989 filed Apr. 23, 2015; 62/156,023 filed May 1, 2015; and 62/163,603 filed May 19, 2015. The disclosures of each of the above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Technical Field 
     The disclosure generally relates to vaporizing devices used to make and distribute airborne scents such as those used to add a scent to the air in a room or an automobile, distribute an insect repellant, or as aromatic hunting lures, repellants, scent eliminators, or scent covers. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electric vaporizing device that vaporizes liquid aromatic compositions and distributes the vaporized scents to the atmosphere surrounding the device. Specifically, the disclosure relates to an electric vaporizer configured to vaporize a liquid scent material upon exposure to a heating coil wherein the resulting vapor is distributed with air flow from an airflow generator. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Aromatic materials have long been used by hunters to lure or attract game animals toward a position within range of the hunter. Examples of aromatic materials include doe urine and sweet smelling items such as apple and corn. In some cases, a hunter spreads the smell of a buck in order to lure a different buck seeking to defend territory. Other urines and gland secretions are also used as well as naturally occurring smells from trees and bushes favored by game. 
     In certain instances, deer hunters, utilizing the aforementioned liquid urine, hunt near scrape marks which have been formed in the ground by the hooves of the deer crossing the territory. Deer scrape the ground to provide a location for defecation or urination, and consequently other deer are attracted to the odors emanating from previously formed scrapes. As a consequence, it is advantageous for hunters to distribute quantities of urine near the previously formed scrapes. A few drops of the liquid urine may be sprinkled in each of the scrapes within range, and in addition a bottle or vial containing some of the liquid urine may be left open on the ground, so that a portion of the liquid urine evaporates into the air to further distribute the aroma. 
     Unfortunately, individuals hunting in freezing conditions have found that the urine freezes after a certain time in the field, rendering the relatively expensive product useless. In addition, containers or vials which are left on the ground for vaporization of the liquid urine occasionally tip due to the influence of wind and spill the expensive liquid contents onto the earth. Another problem is that a liquid aromatic material has a strong scent immediately after being distributed which then tapers off over time. Hunters design a way to re-strengthen the scent without leaving a blind or stand position. 
     One solution to the problem of freezing lure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,046,192 which uses a hand warmer to warm the lure. Other devices use a burning fuel to warm the material in order to increase the rate of evaporation. One device uses an electrically-power heater disposed within a wick to warm material drawn to the heater. 
     Other uses for scents during hunting include cover scents and scents that repel game. Repelling scents can be used to prevent game from entering or leaving an area. Other situations where one desires to distribute a scent include freshening the air in a room or inside an automobile. Some scents are used to ward off insects such as citronella used for mosquitos. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The disclosure provides a vaporizing and distribution device that uses an electric heating element to rapidly vaporize a scent material that is provided as a liquid to the heating element. The scent material can include a propylene glycol (PG), a vegetable glycerin (VG), a combination of PG and VG, or a combination of PG or VG and water. These substances are mixed with an aromatic material that can be added as a solid or a liquid. The aromatic material can be a hunting lure or a material having a smell that is pleasant to humans or a material that repels animals or insects. The solid aromatic material can be a dehydrated material such as dehydrated animal or game urine such as a deer urine, elk urine, bear urine, or other dehydrated glandular secretions. The liquid aromatic material can be the liquid forms of these materials or scented oils. The scent material is a combination of dehydrated powders, oils created from the distilling of natural ingredients or a combination of both. The powder, oil or combination of the two are combined with propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. The scent is used for: attractant scent for hunting, cover scent for hunting, pleasant smelling scent, or repellant scent. The disclosure also provides a vaporizable material that eliminates or substantially reduces the user&#39;s scent. In an exemplary configuration, the vaporizable material includes an activated carbon mixed with glycol or a mixture of glycol and water. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vaporizable material that repels game and a method of using the repellant to influence the movement of the game. The repellant material can include the scent of a predator, soap, humans, dogs, and the like. The user can set a scent fence line of vaporizing devices timed to form and distribute the vaporized scent at periodic times. This creates a scent barrier than helps keep game from passing through the area. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vaporizable material and method of using a vaporizable material for scent elimination. The disclosure provides a vaporizable mixture that includes a percentage of carbon, charcoal, activated carbon, or coconut shell activated carbon, or palm kernel shell charcoal or a combination of these substances. The combination of these substances with a vaporizable material such as the glycol materials discussed above allow a scent elimination substance to be generated to be used by a hunter to eliminate or reduce scents that can alert game to the hunter&#39;s presence. 
     The disclosure provides a vaporizing and distribution device configured to selectively receive disposable cartridges that hold the scent material. In one configuration, the cartridge includes the liquid scent material without a heating element. In another configuration, the cartridge includes the electric heating element as well as the liquid scent material. In any of these configurations, the cartridge can be single use or refillable. In any of these configurations, the cartridge can hold the liquid scent material disposed around a centrally-disposed distribution outlet that directs vapor to a distributor that allows the vapor to be distributed around the entire perimeter of the device. 
     The disclosure provides a configuration of the device that uses liquid tank and a seal that is used to seal off the liquid tank when the device is not in use. 
     The disclosure provides scent material composition that includes a base that is readily vaporized by an electric resistive heater and an animal lure aromatic material which can be a dehydrated urine or an animal material such as gland secretions that attract game. Deer urine is provided as an example. The aromatic material also can be a pleasant-smelling material such as a fruit-based material, a flower-based material, or another pleasant-smelling plant or item such that the device may be used for an alternative purpose of freshening air in a room or the air in an automobile. These scents also may be used to cover the scents humans leave while entering or exiting hunting grounds. In one configuration, the user of the scent material mixes the liquid scent material immediately prior to adding it to a vaporizing device in order to provide a fresh liquid scent material. In this configuration, the components of the liquid scent material are provided in separate containers such as one with the scent components (dehydrated urine or glandular secretion materials or other dry scent materials as described above or a scent oil) and the other being the vaporizable liquid (PG, VG, combination or PG and VG, or combination of these with water). The user mixes the two and agitates until the scent material is dissolved into a vaporizable liquid scent that is fresh when added to the vaporizing device. These can be provided in separate bottles or separate chambers of a container that can be mixed on demand by removing a barrier. 
     The disclosure provides a vaporizer that includes an airflow generator that creates an air flow used to distribute the vapor from the device. The airflow generator can be a fan, a compressed gas cartridge, an air pump, or a device that is collapsed by the user to generate the airflow. The airflow generator can be controlled to provide different airflow speeds. Different embodiments and mounting configurations are provided. In one configuration, the fan is mounted about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In another configuration, the axis of rotation for the fan is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the device. In this second configuration, a magnetic mount is provided. Compressed gas canisters can be used and hand-squeezable bladders can be used. An air pump having a movable bellows can be used to generate the airflow. 
     The disclosure provides configurations with an electric vaporizer that is selectively connectable to an air bladder that provides the airflow for distributing vapor created by the vaporizer. The devices can use the airflow created by the bladder to activate the vaporizer to create the vapor that is then distributed from the vaporizer by the airflow. 
     The disclosure provides a vaporizer with a removable power source and a removable power source housing. 
     The disclosure provides a vapor distribution device having a timer and/or a controller chip that allows the distribution of the hunting lure at selected intervals based on time, temperature, or climate conditions. In one configuration, the user can program the timer and/or controller chip or change the settings of the controller chip in order to change the operation of the device. Another configuration allows the device to be controlled by a remote control such as a mobile computing device such as a mobile smart phone with WIFI, Bluetooth, radio frequency, or cellular communications protocols. 
     The disclosure also provides a non-programmable hunting lure distribution device which has a fixed distribution timing and volume pattern. This may be combined with a manual trigger to allow for manual operation of the device. 
     The disclosure provides a vaporizing device having a power supply that is selectively connectable to the vaporizing device and other devices such as a flashlight, an electric device charger, a power adapter for a cell phone, or other devices operable from battery power. 
     The preceding non-limiting aspects, as well as others, are more particularly described below. A more complete understanding of the processes and the structures of the vaporizing device can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the assemblies or components thereof. In those drawings and the description below, like numeric designations refer to components of like function. Specific terms used in that description are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a rear perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the vaporizing device. 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of the configuration of the vaporizing device depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of another configuration of the vaporizing device used with a stand. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view of the  FIG.  3    configuration. 
         FIG.  5    is a section view of the  FIG.  3    configuration. 
         FIG.  6    is a section view of the burner holder. 
         FIG.  7    is a front perspective view of an alternative end cap. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded view of the alternative end cap showing the pieces disassembled for refilling. 
         FIG.  9    is a view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  8    showing the refill opening. 
         FIG.  10    is a front elevation view of another configuration of the vaporizing device. 
         FIG.  11    is a rear elevation view of the configuration of the vaporizing device depicted in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded view of the  FIG.  10    configuration. 
         FIG.  13    is a section view of the  FIG.  10    configuration. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a sealing cap. 
         FIG.  15    is a section view showing the sealing cap fully inserted. 
         FIG.  16    is an exploded view showing a key used to install and remove the burner. 
         FIG.  17    is a section view showing the burner installed with the key. 
         FIG.  18    is an exploded view of an alternative fan configuration. 
         FIG.  19    is a view of an exemplary configuration with a hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator. 
         FIG.  20    is a view of another exemplary configuration with a hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator. 
         FIG.  21    is a view of another exemplary configuration with a hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator. 
         FIG.  22    is a view of another exemplary configuration with a hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator. 
         FIG.  23    is an exploded view of another exemplary configuration wherein a hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator provides the airflow to the device. 
         FIG.  24    depicts one exemplary hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator with a valve to control airflow. 
         FIG.  25    depicts another exemplary hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator with a manual valve to control airflow. 
         FIG.  26    depicts the electric vaporizer that is used to create the vaporized scent. 
         FIG.  27    depicts a cap that can be used on the hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator or on the end of the electric vaporizer. 
         FIG.  28    depicts the cap on the hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator. 
         FIG.  29    depicts another configuration of a device for creating and distributing vapor. 
         FIG.  30    is section view of the device of  FIG.  29   . 
     
    
    
     Similar numbers refer to similar parts through the specification. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The different configurations of the vaporizing device of the disclosure are indicated generally by the numeral  100  in the accompanying drawings. When assembled for use, each of these configurations generally includes a power source, a heating device, and a reservoir that contains a liquid scent material that vaporizes into an airborne scent that can be used as a lure designed to attract hunting game, as a repellant, as an air freshener, or as a scent eliminator. Device  100  can be provided to the user without a power source with the power source being supplied by the end user. Some of the configurations include an airflow generator such as an electric fan, an air pump, a canister of compressed gas, or a squeezable bladder that is used to create a flow of air or gas that distributes the vaporized scent material from device  100 . One configuration is operated by an on-off switch which can be activated manually or with a remote control. Another configuration includes a timer that controls the operation of the device. A further configuration includes a sensor that activates the device when an airflow through the device is detected. An option is to provide a timer that is programmable by the user. The timer controls the creation and distribution of the vaporized scent material. These power options can be used alone or in combination. One configuration provides a refillable liquid cartridge while another configuration provides a sealed liquid cartridge that is removed and replaced after depletion. The cartridge carries the liquid scent material that is vaporized. One configuration of the cartridge simply includes the liquid composition that is vaporized. Another configuration of the cartridge includes the liquid composition as well as the burner element. The cartridges are selectively connectable to the other components or another component of device  100  to allow the user to readily recharge the device for continued use. These general elements of device  100  may be used alone or in combination with each other and the other elements described below to define the different configurations of device  100 . 
     Although the following descriptions refer to the exemplary configurations of  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the descriptions are also relevant to the other configurations disclosed herein and, as noted above, similar numbers refer to similar parts of the configurations. Device  100  includes a removable and replaceable cartridge  110  and a base  112 . Cartridge  110  carries the liquid scent material that is vaporized to form the airborne vaporized scent material which can be used as an aromatic hunting lure, a cover scent, a repellent scent, a room or automobile air freshener, or a scent eliminator. In this exemplary configuration, cartridge  110  also carries a burner that functions as the heating device that vaporizes the liquid scent material. The heating device can be rapidly heated to a temperature sufficient to rapidly vaporize (less than one to three seconds) the liquid scent material that is in close proximity or in contact with the heating device. The heating device can be heated to a temperature of 390-480 degrees Fahrenheit. In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid scent material is heated to a temperature sufficient to change the liquid scent material from the liquid state to the aerosolized vapor. Other temperature ranges can be used to vaporize the liquid scent material. 
     Base  112  carries an airflow generator in the form of an electrically-powered fan  114  that creates a flow of air that is delivered to cartridge  110  to distribute the vaporized scent material from device  100 . Base  112  also carries a power source  116 . Optionally, base  112  includes an on-off switch  118 . Additional options carried by base  112  include a controller  120  that can be in the form of a programmable timer that provides the user a selection of preset operating modes or a programmable controller that allows the user to customize the operation of device  100  to match the hunting conditions. 
     Base  112  carries a power source  116  such as a battery or a plurality of batteries which can be disposable or rechargeable. Power source  116  can be removable. Power source  116  is carried by a power source housing  130  that forms part of base  112  and can carry the optional on-off switch  118 . Switch  118  can be located at the lower end of device  100  and is in the form of a push button style on-off switch or a twisting or rotating-style switch. 
     In one configuration, to turn on the unit, the user presses and holds the button  118  on the control center  120  for five seconds. The user then immediately chooses the disbursement interval, by pressing the button  118  on the control center  120  briefly. A light will come on immediately followed by the unit indicating a five second scent disbursement. This light can be any one of the lights or a combination of all lights. Three options of adjustment are indicated by the color of light on the control center  120 . Red: one minute intervals between scent disbursements. Yellow: three minute intervals between scent disbursement. Green: five minute intervals between scent disbursement. To turn the unit off, the user presses and holds the button  118  on the control center  120  for five seconds. All lights will turn off and scent disbursements will stop. 
     The connection between power source housing  130  and fan housing  132  of base  112  functions as the negative ground for the power circuit of device  100 . The connection between housings  130  and  132  can be a threaded connection  134  or a snap-together connection. A seal in the form of an O-ring can be provided to make the connected water-resistant or water-proof. 
     In order to form this part of the electric circuit of device  100 , electrically conductive elements are provided in base  112  that are in electrical contact with the negative side of power source  116 . In the exemplary configuration, housings  130  and  132  are fabricated from an electrically conductive metal and the housings themselves define part of the electrical circuit. In other configurations, housings  130  and  132  can be fabricated from a material that is electrically insulating and conductive elements are be carried by each housing  130  and  132  to define the negative side of the electrical circuit. 
     The positive side of power source  116  is contacted by an electrical connector  136  that either extends into power source housing  130  or is recessed within fan housing  132 . These positive and negative sides of the electrical circuit provide the electrical power for fan  114 , controller  120  and the vaporizing coil of device  100 . 
     The use of a removable power source  116  carried by housing  130  allows charged replacement power sources  116  to be quickly added to fan housing  132  as needed. The removable power source housing  130  allows optional attachments such as flashlight attachments, power adapters for charging phones, radio attachments, and other powered devices to be used with power source housing  130 . In one optional configuration, switch  118  is disposed on the side of housing  130  and a flashlight attachment can be selective added to the end of device  100 . 
     In one configuration, power source  116  is integrated into housing  130  such and is not readily removable from housing  130 . Such a power source  130  can be a rechargeable-type of power source  116 . The user can swap housings  130  in the field in a situation where the power is low. The housing can include a charging port. 
     Device  100  can be provided in a simple on-off configuration wherein device  100  forms and dispenses vapor when the users turns device  100  on and stops when the user turns device  100  off. Device  100  can be provided with controller  120  that provides operating configurations that are more useful for some hunting situations. In the configuration depicted in  FIG.  2   , controller  120  includes a single button (switch  118  is used in the configuration of  FIG.  10   ) and a plurality of indicator lights that indicate the operating condition of device  100 . Each operating condition is preprogrammed for a different distribution timing pattern. For example, the first condition can be a long continuous distribution of vapor (such as ninety seconds) followed by ninety minutes of short bursts (such as ten seconds) spaced apart every three minutes. The second configuration can be set to distribute medium bursts (thirty seconds) at longer time intervals (every ten minutes) for an extended time (such as two hours). The third and fourth conditions can have other variations such as short—long—short and very long—very long—very long. Programmable controller  120  allows the user to define the distribution pattern of device  100 . Controller  120  allows the user to control the timing of the vapor distribution, the time intervals between distributions, and the volume of the vapor distribution. Controller  120  can include a programmable circuit board  140  that includes a timer. The settings of controller  120  can be changed through push buttons accessible to the user (three button are depicted as examples—more or fewer can be used). A visible screen  142  can be used to display the settings to the user. In other configurations, a wireless communications circuit is used to allow the user to communicate with controller  120  through WIFI, radio frequency (RF), or Bluetooth communications protocols such that device  100  can be set up through software on a user&#39;s phone, another mobile computer, or a remote control. An exemplary setting for the operation of the device is to vaporize for three seconds and then turn off for ninety seconds when the sequence is repeated. This sequence can be set to repeat a number of times or for a length of time as desired by the user. 
     Fan housing  132  defines one or a plurality of air channels  148  for the air flow created by fan  114 . Air channels  148  extends from the exit of fan  114  to the upper end of base  112 . When cartridge  110  is connected, the outlet of air channel  148  is in communication with a plenum  146  that receives a lower end portion of the burner  150 . The removable and replaceable cartridge  110  contains the liquid that is vaporized by device  100  and the burner  150  that, when powered or energized, is adapted to vaporize a selected volume of the liquid. Burner  150  defines an air inlet  160  that is in fluid communication with plenum  146  when cartridge  110  is installed. The air flow from fan  114  pressurized plenum  146  causing air flow into inlet  160  and through an air flow channel  162  defined by burner  150  from inlet  160  to its outlet  164 . 
     Before cartridge  110  is connected to fan housing  132 , cartridge  110  is substantially sealed such that the user is not readily exposed to the liquid during the transport and storage of cartridge  110 . A removable seal can be provided over the lower end of cartridge  110 . This seal is either removed by the user or pierced by base  112  during the installation of cartridge  110 . Another configuration only seals air inlets  160  with a removable or meltable seal. The upper end of cartridge  110  can be sealed with its own removable seal or the top portion of cartridge  110  can be rotated between a sealed condition and an open condition. 
     When cartridge  110  is installed, a gasket, seal, or O-ring  152  forms a seal between the burner holder  154  and the top of fan housing  132 . The connection between burner holder  154  and fan housing  132  can be a snap fit, a threaded connection, or a slide and twist locking connection similar to a bayonet connection. In the configuration wherein the installation of cartridge  110  is designed to pierce the lower seal of cartridge  110 , the remaining portions of that seal remain on cartridge  110  and form seal  152  when the cartridge  100  is fully seated on fan housing  132 . 
     Burner  150  defines a liquid scent material inlet  170 . Within burner  150  in fluid communication with both channel  162  and inlet  170  is a heating element  172  and a wick  174 . Heating element  172  is an electric resistive heating-style element (burner coil) that creates heat when electric current is passed through element  172 . Wick  174  limits the amount of liquid that is brought into contact or proximity with heating element  172 . Wick  174  can be a screen having small openings or an absorbent material. Electricity is delivered to heating element  172  through burner  150  and the circuit is formed through burner holder  154 . 
     Burner  150  is seated in burner holder  154  against an inner shoulder  155  defined by burner holder  154 . This connection can be used to form the negative electrical connection between burner holder  154  and heating element  172 . Burner  150  can be held in place by being sandwiched between shoulder  155  of holder  154  and end cap  182 . A burner cap seal  178  forms a seal between burner  150  and end cap  182 . Alternatively or in combination with the sandwiched fit, burner  150  can be held by a friction fit, a threaded connection, or a snap fit. Burner  150  defines a shoulder  176  that seats against inner shoulder  155  of burner holder  150 . A seal is disposed between burner  150  and the inner surface of burner holder  154 . This connection provides that air inlet  160  is in fluid communication with plenum  146  of burner holder  154 . The upper end  179  of burner holder  154  is funnel shaped to direct the liquid into inlet  170 . 
     Burner  150  extends to engage a central portion  180  of end cap  182 . Central portion  180  defines a vapor distribution channel  186  of end cap  182 . End cap  182  defines a plurality of vapor outlets  188  that allow the vapor to be distributed about the entire perimeter of the device. 
     End cap  182  defines a liquid holding chamber  190  that holds the liquid aromatic lure material. Inlet  170  of burner  150  is exposed to the liquid in chamber  190 . Chamber  190  is defined between the outer surface of central portion and the inner surface of the outer wall  192  of end cap  182 . Chamber  190  is thus substantially ring-shaped and surrounds vapor distribution channel  186 . End cap  182  is mounted to burner holder  154  with a mounting collar  200  by threads, snap fit, adhesive, or weld/fusion. A seal such as an O-ring  202  can be used as needed. 
     End cap  182  can define a mounting hole  210  for a lanyard that keeps device  100  in a generally upright configuration so that any liquid in the liquid holding chamber  190  is disposed against the heating element  172  or the wick  174  for the heating element  172  by gravity. 
     Cartridge  110  is used and discarded. Heating element  172  eventually burns out which allows burner  150  to be disposed with cartridge  110 . Disposable cartridges  110  allow the user of device  100  to stay out of contact with the liquid lure and does away with the problem of refilling device  100 . When device  100  is empty, the user simply removes cartridge  100  by disconnecting burner holder  154  from fan housing  132 . A new cartridge  110  is added and device  100  is ready to use. 
     In an alternative configuration, the replacement cartridge does not include burner  150 . In this configuration, end cap  182  is removed after it is used and a full end cap  182  is replaced onto burner holder  154 . 
     In another alternative configuration, end cap  182  has a refill opening  220  that allows the user to refill liquid into chamber  190  as needed. This configuration is depicted in  FIGS.  7 - 13  and  14 - 15    wherein end cap  182  is provided in first  216  and second  218  portions. First portion  216  defines liquid holding chamber  190  and defines refill opening  220 . Second portion  218  screws onto first portion  216  and seals opening  220  when tightened. A flexible seal  222  ( FIG.  12   ) can be used to seal opening  220 . This configuration allows chamber  190  to be refilled with the liquid scent material. 
       FIGS.  14 - 15    depict a sealing cap  224  that is connected to first portion  216  of end cap  182  when second portion  218  is removed. Sealing cap  224  has a first disc-shaped portion  225  that sits on top of first portion  216  to seal liquid holding chamber  190 . Sealing cap  224  includes threads defined along the inner surface of an outer flange that cooperate with the threads on first portion  216  to secure sealing cap  224  with a threaded connection. Sealing cap has a second elongated portion  226  that extends into first portion  216  to slide into burner  150  (shown in  FIG.  15   ) to close off inlet  170 . Second elongated portion  226  can extend to close off inlet  160 . Optionally, a second cap can be used over the lower end of burner  150  if desired. When threads are not used, second elongated portion  226  can frictionally engage central portion  180  to connect sealing cap  224  to first portion  216 . The lower end of second elongated portion  226  sealingly engages burner  150  to form the seal. Sealing cap  224  can be made from a resilient material such as rubber to allow it to compress when engaged with first portion  216  to form a liquid-tight seal. 
     In the configuration of  FIGS.  10 - 16   , burner  150  is connected to burner holder  154  with a threaded connection between a threaded burner nut  230  and burner holder  154 .  FIGS.  16  and  17    depict the cartridge with the manner in which the burner  150  is mounted to the cartridge with a threaded burner mount  154  and nut  230  and the key  232  that can be used to install and remove burner  150 . Key  232  can double as a promotional item. As described above, the upper end of burner  150  engages and seals with central portion  180 . Threaded burner nut defines at least two spaced key holes that receive corresponding key prongs on key  232  to allow the user to rotate threaded burner nut  230  with key  232 . A seal  234  is provided between nut  230  and burner holder  154  which, in cooperation with the threads, seas the lower end of chamber  190 . This seal can also be compressed to function as a locking device for the threaded connection. 
       FIGS.  10 - 18    depict an alternative version of power source housing  130  and fan housing  132  with an exemplary configuration for a single switch  118  used to control device  100 . Different operational modes are selected by the number of times switch  118  is depressed or by the length of time switch  118  is held down. 
       FIGS.  10 - 18    depict an optional protective housing  240  disposed around a portion of fan housing  132  and covering the fan intake opening of fan housing  132 . In this configuration, protective housing  240  is transparent to allow the user to view indicator lights on controller  120 . Switch  118  extends through housing  240  to allow the user to manually change the settings. Switch  118  defines a seal with the opening in housing  240 . In configurations wherein controller  120  communicate wirelessly with a mobile computer, switch  118  and the opening in housing  240  can be eliminated. Housing  240  can form a sealed connection with a flange  241  projecting from housing  132 . Housing  240  has a raised section  242  that defines an inlet plenum  244  over the fan inlet. The raised section defines the air inlet for the fan. A perforated grid can be disposed over the fan inlet. A fan inlet opening  246  can be defined by housing  240  or though flange  241  or both. Housing  240  protects controller  120  and fan  114  from liquids and other debris. 
     Controller  120  can control the delivery of power to burner  150  or an airflow sensor  248  can be used to active burner  150  whenever fan  114  is generating an airflow. When sensor  248  is used, controller  120  controls the operation of fan  114  and the delivery of power to burner  150  is controlled by sensor  248 . Sensor  248  can operate by being moved by the airflow to provide an electrical connection. 
       FIG.  18    depicts an alternative configuration for the fan housing  132  wherein fan  114  is mounted with its axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of device  100 . A magnetic mount  250  is used to hold fan  114  in place. Magnetic mount  250  is provided as a magnetic ring over which fan  114  is seated. The air is pulled into fan housing  132  through a plurality of openings disposed across from controller  120 . In this configuration, the lower end of housing  132  carries sealed a water proof pad to prevent water from entering the air openings and moving into the battery housing. 
       FIGS.  19 - 28    disclose configurations wherein a manually-operable airflow generation device  260  is used to create vapor distribution airflow through device  100  to distribute the vapor created by burner  150 . Manually-operable airflow generation device has first and second configurations. Device  260  can be a squeezable flexible bladder that, when squeezed from the first to the second configuration, reduces its interior volume to expel a portion of the air within the bladder out of an outlet. The manual airflow generation device also can be a manually-operated fan such as a plurality of fan blades that spin when a crank is turned or when a trigger is pulled. Another configuration includes a bellows-style airflow generator that creates an airflow when elements pivot toward each other. 
     In each of the configurations of  FIGS.  19 - 28   , burner  150  of device  100  can be activated with a manually-operated power button or a sensor that senses airflow, pressure changes, temperature change of the airflow or senses a change in the dimensions of the bladder wall of manually-operable airflow generation device  260 . The sensor can be a biased member such as a plunger or membrane that moves in reaction to the airflow and forms an electrical connection between the power source and the burner to rapidly vaporize the liquid scent material in response to the airflow. In one embodiment, the airflow created by the bladder moves a biased member that brings an electrical contact into electrical contact with another electrical contact to complete a circuit and power burner  150 . In these configurations, burner  150  can be provided in the configurations described above or as an electrical resistive heating element such as a coil of thin wires or strands of metal. 
     In each of the configurations of  FIGS.  19 - 28   , a resilient bladder  260  is used to generate the airflow through device  100 . Each bladder  260  is made from a resilient material that can be deformed when a compressive force is applied to the outside of the bladder wall. The bladder wall can be designed to automatically return to its uncompressed state when the compressive force is released. Alternatively, a resilient foam material  262  can be disposed inside bladder  260  to help bladder  260  to maintain its shape and to help bladder  260  return to its resting condition after being squeezed. In other configurations, a mechanical spring is used to help push the bladder wall back to its resting condition. These items can be used alone or in combination with one another or in combination with the wall material of the bladder itself. Also, each bladder wall can be configured to return to the resting position through the resiliency of the material used to form the bladder wall combined with the shape or configuration of the bladder wall itself. 
     Also in the configurations of  FIGS.  19 - 28   , each bladder  260  can be provided with a one-way valve  274  and/or a manually-operated valve  276 . A one-way valve  274  allows air to flow into bladder  260  but prevents air from exiting bladder through valve  274 . Although valve  274  can be disposed anywhere on bladder  260 , valve  274  can be carried by bladder  260  at a portion of bladder  260  that is not substantially deformed when bladder  260  is squeezed. Such a portion can be the bottom wall of bladder  260 . As an addition or as an alternative to valve  274 , an opening  276  can be defined by the wall of bladder  260 . Opening  276  functions as a manual valve that must be covered by the user&#39;s finger when squeezing to force air toward burner  150 . A benefit of opening  276  is that it prevents unintentional actuation of device  100  by allowing air flow out of bladder  260  when the user unintentionally squeezes bladder  260 . This allows device  100  to be carried in the user&#39;s pocket without worry about undesired activation. 
     In any of these configurations, an additional one-way valve positioned downstream of the outlet of bladder  260  can be used as an option to prevent back flow from burner  150 . An example of this configuration is depicted in  FIG.  20   . 
     Each of the configurations of  FIGS.  19 - 28    uses a version of an electric vaporizer  280 . Electric vaporizer  280  can include a power source  270  or can be removably connected to power source  270 . Electric vaporizer  280  includes burner  150  in the configuration described above or as a stripped down configuration with just the wick material and burner coil. Electric vaporizer  280  also includes an air inlet  282 , a supply of liquid scent material  284 , and a vapor outlet  286 . Electric vaporizer  280  can be disposable or refillable. Electric vaporizer  280  can be energized by a manual switch  288  or a sensor  290  as described above. 
     In the configuration of  FIG.  19   , a power supply  270  is disposed in a power supply housing  272  which is substantially surrounded with a squeezable air bladder  260  that, when squeezed, delivers an airflow to burner  150 . Power supply housing  272  selectively receives electric vaporizer  280  which is connected through the threaded connection depicted in  FIG.  19   , a snap fit connection, or a friction connection. In the  FIG.  19    configuration, a power lead is provided to supply power to vaporizer  280 . In the  FIG.  19    configuration, bladder  260  substantially surrounds power supply housing  272  with at least a majority of electric vaporizer  280  being disposed outside bladder  260  in an extended configuration where it can be readily replaced. 
     In the configuration of  FIG.  20   , the bladder  260  surrounds the entire length of electric vaporizer  280  and power supply  270 . The main air intake valve  274  is disposed at the bottom of device  100 . A sensor  290  such as an air pressure sensor is used to active the burner coil when the user squeezes the bladder  260  to generate airflow into the coil. The  FIG.  20    configuration includes a second valve  274  to prevent backflow. 
     In the configuration of  FIG.  21   , the airflow generator bladder  260  is disposed at the location of the fan inlet of  FIG.  1   . In this configuration, the bladder  260  is shaped to fit the user&#39;s hand so that the user grips the bladder  260  and the housings with a single hand. When a power button  288  is used, the user&#39;s thumb or finger can control the power button  288  while the palm of the hand compresses the bladder  260  to generate the airflow to the burner coil  150 . A sensor (such as sensor  290 ) can be used as an alternative to or in addition to switch  288 . A valve can be used to control the airflow into bladder  260 . A secondary valve can be used to prevent suction back into the bladder from the coil. 
     In the configuration of  FIG.  22   , the airflow generator bladder  260  is disposed opposite the power source  270  and pushes air down through the liquid holding tank  184  and then through the vaporizing coil  150 . An inlet valve  274  can be used to refill the bladder  160 . In this configuration, power button  288  turns unit  100  to an cony configuration while sensor  290  is used to energize burner  150 . 
       FIG.  23    is an exploded view of another exemplary configuration wherein a hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator is provided in the form of a resilient bladder  260  that provides the airflow to the device  100 . In this configuration, bladder  260  is provided with a one-way valve  274  and/or a manual valve  276  that control the airflow delivery to an electric vaporizer  280 . Valve  274  allows bladder  260  to refill with air after being squeezed. Valve  276  must be covered with the user&#39;s finger or thumb to prevent air from being squeezed out of valve  276 . The user then uncovers valve  276  to allow bladder  260  to refill with air.  FIG.  24    depicts one exemplary hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator  260  with valve  274  to control airflow.  FIG.  25    depicts another exemplary hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator  260  with manual valve  276  to control airflow. 
       FIG.  26    depicts an electric vaporizer  280  that is used to create the vaporized scent material. Electric vaporizer  280  includes a power source  270  such as a battery or rechargeable battery, an airflow passage extending from an inlet  282  to an outlet  286  to allow the airflow generated from bladder  260  to be delivered to a burner  150 . Electric vaporizer  280  can include a power button (optional) that energizes burner  150  and/or electric vaporizer  280  includes a sensor  290  (optional) that automatically energizes burner  150  when sensor  290  is subjected to airflow from bladder  260 . Sensor  290  can be a biased plunger that moves in response to the airflow to form the electrical connection between power source  270  and burner  150 . Sensor  290  also can be an air pressure sensor configured to energize burner  150  in response to an increase in the air pressure in vaporizer  280 . The liquid scent material is carried by a liquid holding tank  284  in fluid communication with burner  150 . Electric vaporizer  280  defines an outlet  286  to allow the airflow to distribute the vaporized material. 
       FIG.  27    depicts a cap  292  that can be used to close outlet  286  and/or to provide a lanyard opening to allow the device having cap  292  to be hung from one&#39;s belt or coat.  FIG.  28    depicts the cap  292  on the hand-powered squeeze-type airflow generator. In this configuration, a majority of electric vaporizer  280  is disposed within a rounded, oval bladder with cap  292  adapted to selectively cover the outlet end of electric vaporizer  280  that extends from bladder  260 . Cap  292  can be snap fit, friction fit, or threaded onto vaporizer  280  to secure it in place and to allow the device to be hung from a clip or lanyard. In another configuration similar to the one depicted in  FIG.  20   , electric vaporizer  280  is disposed entirely inside bladder  260 . In this configuration, cap  292  can engage the upper end of bladder to cover outlet  286 . In both of these configurations, electric vaporizer  280  is removable and replaceable so that a different electric vaporizer  280  can be installed. Bladder  260  can resiliently engage the outer surface of vaporizer  280  to define a seal. A clamping ring can be provided to tighten the seal. 
     Electric vaporizer  280  can be used with battery-powered air pump that has a timer controller  120 . This unit can be placed in a location and left alone to operate automatically. These can be used to create a scent fence to control wildlife movement or to draw game into a hunt area. The battery-powered air pump can be disposed in a stable base that limits the risk that the device would be tipped over. Vaporizer  280  can be readily detached from the pump with a quick connection that can be a threaded connection, a snap fit, a resilient fit or a friction fit. 
     An exemplary configuration of such a device is depicted in  FIG.  29    wherein the lower inlet portion of electric vaporizer  280  is fit into an adapter  302  to receive an airflow delivered by a base  304 . In this configuration, base  304  having adapter  302  allows the mounting of either just electric vaporizer  280  or the entire device  100  depicted in  FIG.  30   . Adapter  302  is in the form of a tube that extends upwardly from base  304  to receive the lower end of electric vaporizer  280  such that airflow delivered to adapter  302  is delivered to the inlet of electric vaporizer  280 . A seal such as a polymeric O-ring can be used to provide a tight connection between electric vaporizer  280  and adapter  302 . In other configurations, adapter  302  can be made from a polymeric material that stretches to receive electric vaporizer  280  and forms a seal that is tight enough to direct substantially all airflow delivered to adapter  302  into electric vaporizer  280 . In one configuration, the top wall of base  304  defines a recessed area  306  that receives the lower portion of bladder  260  (up to a quarter of the height of bladder  260  can be disposed in recess  306 ) to seat device  100  of  FIG.  24    wherein adapter  302  extends through valve  274  to supply the interior of bladder  260  with airflow. The recessed area  306  can complement that shape of the lower portion of bladder  260  such that base  304  cups and holds and helps support device bladder  260 . However, recessed area  306  is not required for the configuration to function. Adapter  302  can be provided with or without recessed area  306 . 
     Base  304  carries an airflow generator  310  in the form of an electrically-powered fan, a valved cartridge of compressed gas, a mechanical bellows, or an air pump (such as a diaphragm pump) that creates a flow of air that is delivered to adapter  302  such that the airflow is delivered to device  100  or directly into electric vaporizer  280  to activate the creation of vapor as described above. 
     Base  304  also carries a power source  312  such as a battery or a plurality of batteries which can be disposable or rechargeable. Power source  312  can be removable. Optionally, base  304  includes an on-off switch  314 . Additional options carried by base  304  include a controller  316  that can be in the form of a programmable timer that provides the user a selection of preset operating modes or a programmable controller that allows the user to customize the operation of the unit to match the hunting conditions. Controller  316  also can be activated remotely with a wireless device such as a handheld computer using cell phone, Bluetooth, WIFI, or other communications protocols. Controller  316  also can be activated, deactivated, and switched between operating modes with a radio frequency remote controller that is carried by the user. These options allow this configuration to be used at a location remote from the immediate location of the hunter. The remote control can operate like a garage door opener with one button for power on and one button for power off (or standby). When powered on, the device can dispense vapor continuously until turned off or can operate on a timed schedule. 
     As above, airflow generator  310  can be used on-demand by the user by turning it on and off with the switch  314  or a remote control unit. Controller  316  also can be provided with distribution timing patterns such as those described above or a pattern that creates and distributes vapor for three seconds followed by sixty seconds of standby with the pattern repeating until the user changes the condition with the remote control or by using switch  314 . 
     Base  304  can include a threaded tripod mount  320  to allow the user to mount this configuration above the ground. Base  304  also includes feet  322  that support base  304  directly on the ground. 
     A feature of this configuration is noise deadening insulation  324  disposed around airflow generator  310  to ensure the quiet release of the vapor. Insulation  324  can be a foamed polymer insulation material disposed around at least the upper portion of airflow generator  310  but it may be disposed around five sides or substantially surround airflow generator  310 . In one configuration, airflow generator  310  is disposed in a chamber defined by walls within base  304  with an airflow tube extending up to adapter  302  through insulation disposed on the outside of the walls. 
     In each of the embodiments describe above, the liquid scent material that is being vaporized can be a combination of a glycol substance with an aromatic material or a scent-elimination material. The aromatic material can be a solid or liquid animal lure substance. The glycol substance can be a propylene glycol, a vegetable glycerin, a combination of both, and/or a combination of these with water. The animal lure aromatic material can be a liquid or solid animal urine or glandular secretion. The solid materials can be made by dehydration. In any of these combinations, water can be added as needed. The dehydrated urine can be formed by freeze drying, flash drying liquid urine, or otherwise dehydrating the liquid urine to form the additive to the glycol. The aromatic material can be designed to repel animals or insects and can thus be a predator smell or a citronella. The aromatic material can be a cover scent used by a hunter to cover his scent when entering or leaving a hunt area. The aromatic material can be a pleasant-smelling material that one can use to freshen room air or an automobile. These aromatic materials can be clean-smelling materials, flower-based materials, fruit-based materials, pleasant-smelling food materials, pleasant-smelling outdoor smells, spices, tropical smells, and others enjoyable to human users. These can be provided as oils or powders and mixed with the glycol. 
     In one configuration, the user of the scent material mixes the liquid scent material immediately prior to adding it to a vaporizing device in order to provide a fresh liquid scent material. In this configuration, the components of the liquid scent material are provided in separate containers such as one with the scent components (dehydrated urine or glandular secretion materials or other dry scent materials as described above or a scent oil) and the other being the vaporizable liquid (PG, VG, combination or PG and VG, or combination of these with water). The user mixes the two and agitates until the scent material is dissolved into a vaporizable liquid scent that is fresh when added to the vaporizing device. These can be provided in separate bottles or separate chambers of a container that can be mixed on demand by removing a barrier by displacement or breaking the barrier. In another configuration, the vaporizable liquid can be disposed in the tank  190  or in the electric vaporizer  280  and the user adds the solid scent material or oil before using. 
     Device  100  has the advantage of only vaporizing the liquid scent material on demand. The device does not waste the liquid scent material by continuously vaporizing unless the user selects continuous operation as an option. The device will function in cold weather and the vaporized glycol-based vapor substance hangs in the air and does not distribute itself in the air as fast as other scent materials. The electric heating element does not create any additional fuel scent through a combustion process. The removable and replaceable cartridges keep the scent fresh and allow the user to readily refill the device without skin contact with the scent liquid. There is also no risk of spilling the liquid. The user can program the device to automatically freshen the scent at intervals. 
     One method of using device  100  is to provide device with a repellant scent that drives game away from the scent. Device  100  is then used along a boundary or in an area such as a user&#39;s yard wherein the user does not want the game to cross or to congregate. The repellant material can include the scent of a predator, a soap, a human, a dog, or the like. The user can set a scent fence line of vaporizing devices timed to form and distribute the vaporized scent at periodic times. This creates a scent barrier than helps keep game from passing through the area. This configuration of the device can be used to deter game such as deer from entering a garden area or a landscaped area where the deer feed on the plantings. 
     Another use for device  100  is to provide a vaporizable material in device  100  that reduces or eliminates scent particles from the air that is exposed to the vaporized material. This device is used for scent elimination. The disclosure provides a vaporizable mixture that includes a percentage of carbon, charcoal, activated carbon, or coconut shell activated carbon, or palm kernel shell charcoal or a combination of these substances. The combination of these substances with a vaporizable material such as the glycol materials discussed above allow a scent elimination substance to be generated to be used by a hunter to eliminate or reduce scents that can alert game to the hunter&#39;s presence. 
     An optional alternative use for the device is to attach a scent cartridge to the device that creates a pleasant smelling vapor for use in deodorizing a vehicle, a house, clothing, and the like. An advantage here is that by using the removable cartridge, there is no deer urine scent left on the device when a pleasant smelling scent is installed. This is especially true when the cartridges carry their own burner coils. As such, the same device used to distribute the deer urine smell can also be used to distribute a pleasant smelling vapor—such as a vanilla—for the hunter&#39;s vehicle on the drive home. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations of the exemplary configurations are examples and the claimed invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.