Patent Description:
Air treatment appliances in the past have had the ability to dispense scent compounds or other compounds throughout the atmosphere of desired spaces but can suffer from various drawbacks or deficiencies. For example, some air treatment appliances and replaceable cartridges thereof may be overly complex, costly and/or suffer from other deficiencies or drawbacks, such as, for example, discharging diffused or aerosolized matter with less than ideal characteristics, or the cartridges being susceptible to leakage, tampering, fouling and/or contamination. Further relevant prior art is described in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is in particular provided a replaceable cartridge for the liquid diffusion device which comprises of the features described in claim <NUM>. In the following description there is also described some arrangements, some of those arrangements may be helpful for understanding the present invention. However, the scope of protection is defined by the claims. The air treatment appliances and replaceable cartridges and other components thereof and related methods shown and described herein provide form factors that are robust, efficient, and particularly effective at treating spaces with a diffused or aerosolized compound from a liquid source.

At least one arrangement of a replaceable cartridge for a liquid diffusion device may be summarized as including: a cartridge housing including a plurality of housing pieces fixedly coupled together and defining an internal housing cavity partially filled with a liquid to be aerosolized; and a venturi device positioned within the internal housing cavity for generating aerosolized matter from the liquid contained in the internal housing cavity, wherein the plurality of housing pieces include an internal housing body defining at least a portion of a receptacle for the liquid to be aerosolized, an upper housing cap including an outlet through which the aerosolized matter is discharged during use, and an outer casing surrounding at least a lower portion of the internal housing body.

The internal housing body may be transparent or semi-transparent, the outer casing may be opaque, and the outer casing may include a window through which a level of the liquid to be aerosolized is viewable through an exposed portion of the internal housing body. The window of the outer casing may have a size and a shape sufficient to observe the liquid in the internal housing body as the liquid transitions between a full level and an empty level. The internal housing body may define at least a portion of a gas supply conduit that extends from a bottom end of the removable cartridge to the venturi device and through the liquid to be aerosolized. A liquid retention device may be positioned within the gas supply conduit adjacent the venturi device to retain liquid that may pass downward through the venturi device into the gas supply conduit. The internal housing body and the outer casing may each have a substantially cylindrical shape concentrically aligned. The replaceable cartridge may further include: an insert positioned above of the venturi device, the insert including an inlet to receive aerosolized matter generated by the venturi device, an outlet zone from which to discharge the aerosolized matter toward an external environment, and a tortuous passage extending between the inlet and the outlet zone; and a gasket positioned between an upper end of the insert and the upper housing cap, the gasket forming a cover over the tortuous passage extending between the inlet and the outlet zone of the insert. A first coupling arrangement may be provided to secure the upper housing cap to the internal housing body and a second coupling arrangement may be provided to secure the outer casing to the internal housing body. The first coupling arrangement may be configured to prevent non-destructive disassembly of the internal housing body from the upper housing cap, and the second coupling arrangement may be configured to enable disassembly of the outer casing from the internal housing body upon overcoming a threshold resistive force. The first coupling arrangement may include a coupling protrusion engaged with a coupling cavity, the coupling protrusion provided on one of an outer surface of the internal housing body and an inner surface of the upper housing cap, and the coupling cavity provided on the other one of the outer surface of the internal housing body and the inner surface of the upper housing cap, and the second coupling arrangement may include a second coupling protrusion engaged with a second coupling cavity, the second coupling protrusion provided on one of an outer surface of the internal housing body and an inner surface of the outer casing, and the second coupling cavity provided on the other one of the outer surface of the internal housing body and the inner surface of the outer casing.

At least one arrangement of a replaceable cartridge for a liquid diffusion device may be summarized as including: a cartridge housing defining an internal housing cavity partially filled with a liquid to be aerosolized; a venturi device positioned within the internal housing cavity for generating aerosolized matter from the liquid contained in the internal housing cavity; and an integrated circuit coupled to the cartridge housing having memory to store cartridge data associated with the replaceable cartridge.

The replaceable cartridge may further include an electrical interface in electrical communication with the integrated circuit to enable retrieval of the cartridge data by an external system contacting the electrical interface. The integrated circuit may be configured to enable contactless retrieval of the cartridge data. The cartridge housing may include a plurality of housing pieces fixedly coupled together, the plurality of housing pieces including: an internal body defining the internal housing cavity partially filled with the liquid to be aerosolized; a cap fixedly coupled to the internal body to enclose the diffusion head within a combination of the cap and the internal body; and an outer casing surrounding at least a lower portion of the internal body. The replaceable cartridge may further include a circuit board coupled to the cartridge housing, the circuit board comprising the integrated circuit and an electrical interface in electrical communication with the integrated circuit to enable retrieval of the cartridge data by an external system contacting the electrical interface. The circuit board may be located at a bottom end of the cartridge housing and may have an annular shape. The electrical interface may include at least one contact surface to mechanically couple the electrical interface with at least one circuit contact surface on the integrated circuit. The cartridge data may include cartridge identification data, liquid characteristic data, liquid level data and/or cartridge use data.

At least one arrangement of a liquid diffusion appliance configured to receive a replaceable cartridge and generate aerosolized matter from liquid contained within the replaceable cartridge may be summarized as including: an appliance housing including a cartridge port through which to receive the replaceable cartridge; and a lift mechanism provided within the appliance housing for moving the replaceable cartridge at least between a cartridge loading position and an operational positon.

The appliance housing may include one or more external housing pieces and one or more internal housing pieces coupled together to define a cartridge cavity extending into the appliance housing from the cartridge port. The lift mechanism may include: a lift carriage configured to move within the cartridge cavity; and an air stem provided on the lift carriage, the air stem being removably insertable in the replaceable cartridge for supplying air to the replaceable cartridge during use. The lift mechanism may further include a motor and a gearwheel driven by the motor, the gearwheel having a lift pin to interact with the lift carriage to raise and lower the lift carriage in correlation with rotation of the gearwheel by the motor. The lift carriage may include a lift cavity through which the lift pin extends, the lift cavity being sized and shaped to cause the lift pin to lose contact with the lift carriage as the lift carriage is moved to a weigh position. The liquid diffusion appliance may further include a force sensor positioned within the cartridge cavity to weigh the replaceable cartridge in the weigh position. The replaceable cartridge may include an integrated circuit coupled to the replaceable cartridge, the integrated circuit having at least one storage device to store cartridge data associated with the replaceable cartridge, and wherein the lift mechanism may include a lift carriage with electrical contacts arranged to interface with the electrical interface of the replaceable cartridge when the replaceable cartridge is installed in the liquid diffusion appliance for use. The lift mechanism may include a lift carriage for moving the replaceable cartridge between different positions, and the lift mechanism may be configured to prevent manual displacement of the lift carriage between the different positions.

At least one arrangement of an aerosol delivery system for discharging aerosolized matter may be summarized as including: a replaceable cartridge including an internal cavity partially filled with a liquid to be aerosolized and a venturi device positioned within the internal cavity for generating aerosolized matter from the liquid contained in the internal cavity; and an appliance configured to receive the replaceable cartridge and controllably supply air through the replaceable cartridge to generate the aerosolized matter. The appliance may include a pump for controllably supplying the air through the replaceable cartridge and a lift mechanism configured to move the replaceable cartridge to different positions within the appliance.

The lift mechanism may be configured to move the replaceable cartridge between a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions including at least a loading position wherein the replaceable cartridge can be exchanged with another replaceable cartridge and a use position wherein the replaceable cartridge can be supplied the air to generate the aerosolized matter. The appliance may further include a force sensor and the plurality of positions may further include a weigh position wherein the replaceable cartridge is positioned to rest on the force sensor to assist in determining a weight of remaining liquid within the replaceable cartridge. The lift mechanism may include a lift carriage with an air stem, the air stem being inserted in the replaceable cartridge during use to provide air to the replaceable cartridge from the pump. An air outlet of the pump may be connected to the air stem of the lift carriage by a plurality of flexible conduits including a first conduit extending from the air outlet of the pump to a bulkhead connection and a second conduit extending from the bulkhead connection to a connection on the lift carriage that is in fluid communication with the air stem. The replaceable cartridge may include an integrated circuit having at least one storage device to store cartridge data associated with the replaceable cartridge. The replaceable cartridge may include an electrical interface in electrical communication with the integrated circuit to enable retrieval of the cartridge data by a control system of the appliance which is in electrical communication with the electrical interface of the replaceable cartridge when the replaceable cartridge is installed in the appliance for use. The lift mechanism may include a lift carriage with electrical contacts arranged to interface with the electrical interface of the replaceable cartridge when the replaceable cartridge is installed in the appliance for use. The replaceable cartridge may include a cartridge housing having a plurality of housing pieces coupled together, the plurality of housing pieces including: an internal body defining the internal housing cavity partially filled with the liquid to be aerosolized; a cap fixedly coupled to the internal body and enclosing the venturi device within a combination of the cap and the internal body; and an outer casing surrounding a lower portion of the internal body.

At least one arrangement of a method implemented by a processor-based electronic liquid diffusion device may be summarized as including: receiving a signal indicative of a replaceable cartridge being received by the liquid diffusion device, the replaceable cartridge containing liquid to be aerosolized; authenticating the replaceable cartridge to ensure compatibility with the liquid diffusion device based on identification data stored by the replaceable cartridge; controlling movement of the replaceable cartridge from a cartridge loading position to an operational position after authenticating the replaceable cartridge; and controlling air flow through the replaceable cartridge to discharge aerosolized matter generated from the liquid contained in the authenticated replaceable cartridge.

The method may further include: periodically controlling the replaceable cartridge to move to a weigh position; and collecting data indicative of a level of fluid remaining in the replaceable cartridge. Collecting the data indicative of the level of fluid remaining in the replaceable cartridge may include sensing a weight of the replaceable cartridge via a sensor contained in the liquid diffusion device. The method may further include transmitting the data indicative of the level of fluid remaining in the replaceable cartridge to a client device for displaying a remaining volume of liquid to a user as the volume decreases from a full amount to an empty amount. Authenticating the replaceable cartridge may include receiving the identification data through a connection made between an electrical contact of the replaceable cartridge and a corresponding electrical contact of a lift mechanism used to move the replaceable cartridge between the cartridge loading position and the operational position. The method may further include performing a device startup routine that includes establishing a reference position of a motor to assist in controlling subsequent movement of a cartridge lift carriage driven by the motor. Establishing the reference position may include driving the cartridge lift carriage to a home position to trigger a limit switch.

At least one arrangement of a scent delivery system for controllably delivering scented aerosolized matter to an external environment may be summarized as including: a liquid diffusion appliance configured to receive a replaceable cartridge that includes a venturi device for generating the scented aerosolized matter from liquid contained within the replaceable cartridge, and configured to move air through the replaceable cartridge to assist in generating the scented aerosolized matter; one or more control circuits; one or more processors; one or more antennas; and at least one memory, the at least one memory including instructions that, upon execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more control circuits, cause the scent delivery system to provide, via a user interface of a client device associated with a user of the client device, an indication of an amount of liquid remaining in the replaceable cartridge.

The instructions may further cause the scent delivery system to provide, via the user interface of the client device associated, one or more indications of information related to a power status of the liquid diffusion appliance and/or an intensity of the scented aerosolized matter being generated by the liquid diffusion appliance. The instructions may further cause the scent delivery system to provide, via the user interface of the client device, one or more indications of information related to an adjustable delivery schedule of the scented aerosolized matter, including one or more delivery time periods and one or more intensity levels associated with the one or more delivery time periods or portions thereof. The instructions may further cause the associated client device or a display of the liquid diffusion appliance to display one or more alerts related to a low amount of liquid remaining in the replaceable cartridge. The instructions may further cause the associated client device or a display of the liquid diffusion appliance to display one or more indications of information pertaining to characteristics of the replaceable cartridge or liquid contained therein, including an indication of the type of liquid contained in the replaceable cartridge. The liquid diffusion appliance may be one of a plurality of liquid diffusion devices, and each liquid diffusion appliance may be configured to provide one or more indications of information pertaining to the liquid diffusion appliance and/or a replaceable cartridge received therein to the user interface of the client device.

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known devices, structures and techniques associated with air treatment appliances (also referred to as liquid diffusion devices), components thereof and related methods of diffusing or aerosolizing a compound from a liquid source may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. For example, embodiments of the air treatment appliances and replaceable cartridges disclosed herein may include or incorporate aspects or features of known appliances and associated components and control methods thereof. Examples of known air treatment appliances, components and aspects thereof and related methods are shown and described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and<CIT>.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the present disclosure relates generally to air treatment appliances <NUM> and more specifically to air treatment appliances <NUM> including replaceable cartridges <NUM> containing a liquid compound to be diffused or aerosolized and released into a space to be treated, which may also referred to as liquid diffusion devices or apparatuses, and to components thereof and related methods.

As shown in <FIG>, the air treatment appliance <NUM> may be provided in a tabletop form factor to rest on a table or other structure in a space (e.g., residential living space or commercial workspace) for treating the space with a scent compound or other compound diffused or aerosolized from a liquid source. The air treatment appliance <NUM> may also be adapted to mount on a wall or other structure to provide a wall mounted appliance. It is also appreciated that the appliance <NUM> may be portable in nature and may be relocated as desired to treat different spaces as desired.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the replaceable cartridge <NUM> includes a cartridge outlet <NUM> to permit a diffused or aerosolized compound generated from the liquid <NUM> within the cartridge <NUM> to be discharged into the environment or space surrounding the appliance <NUM>. More particularly, when loaded, the replaceable cartridge <NUM> within the appliance <NUM> is coupled to an outlet of a source of pressurized air (e.g., pump assembly <NUM> of <FIG>) to enable pressurized air to be selectively passed through the cartridge <NUM> as described herein to diffuse or aerosolize the liquid <NUM> contained therein and to force the aerosolized matter to be discharged through the cartridge outlet <NUM>.

Within the present disclosure, the terms atomize and diffuse may be used in their various forms interchangeably. They are intended to refer to generally the same action, that being the dispersion of liquid into very small particle sizes (preferably but not limited to one micron or less in size) and releasing the particles into the atmosphere of a generally enclosed space. Discharging diffused liquid with particularly small particles helps ensure that the liquid to be dispersed remains airborne long enough to effectively treat the space. The diffused liquid is also referred to herein as aerosolized matter, and may include, for example, a scented compound.

One approach to providing small particle sizes is to incorporate a dispersion or gas-liquid mixing location adjacent an expansion chamber. The mixed gas and liquid combination may contain particles of greater than desirable size. Allowing this mix to remain resident within the expansion chamber prior to release into the treated space will allow larger particles to precipitate out of the mixture. Structures that the gas and liquid mixture impinge upon may also assist in the collection of these larger particles and leave only the desired predominantly smaller sized particles to be released. The expansion chamber may be maintained at a positive pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure within the space to be treated, so that the gas and liquid mix will be ejected from the appliance <NUM> into the space. Alternatively, the expansion chamber may generally be maintained at the atmospheric pressure of the space to be treated with the flow of gas (e.g., air) through the chamber providing the impetus for movement of the gas and liquid mix from the cartridge <NUM> of the appliance <NUM> into the space to be treated.

Within the context of this disclosure, diffusion or aerosolizing also generally refers to a process or method of dispersing a liquid without destroying the integrity of the liquid compound. While some degree of reactivity between the gas (e.g., air) and the liquid may be desirable, diffusion generally does not change the nature of the liquid, unlike heating or the application of electrical energy into the liquid to diffuse the liquid.

The air treatment appliances <NUM>, replaceable cartridges <NUM> and other components and methods described herein may be used to provide or introduce a pleasant or soothing scent (or some other type of liquid that may be used as an airborne treatment or compound) into the air space of a room or other generally enclosed space. The particular liquid <NUM> to be dispensed by the diffusion device is contained within the replaceable cartridge <NUM>. Other possible types of liquids that may be dispersed may include decontamination agents, insecticides, insect repellents, and many different types of liquids that may be desirably dispersed within an enclosed space. The present disclosure is not limited to a particular type or nature of liquid <NUM> to be dispersed, but is intended to encompass any desirable airborne liquid treatments that are preferably dispersed within an enclosed space to be effective. The term enclosed space, as used herein, refers to any volume of space within which the atmospheric turnover is sufficiently slow to permit the dispersed liquid to have its desired effect within the space. Larger spaces, such as concert halls, casinos, lobbies, etc., may have one or more openings into the space and still have the desired characteristics to permit treatment with a diffused liquid. Other spaces may be preferably fully enclosed to permit treatment by the selected liquid. In other cases, the liquid used for treatment may preferably be used in a sealed space, for maximum effectiveness or for safety reasons. Within the scope of the present disclosure, it is not intended to limit the nature, size or configuration of the space to be treated except as may be appropriate for the liquid used to treat the space and the nature of treatment desired within the space.

With reference to <FIG>, and according to the illustrated embodiment, a control system 128a, 128b (collectively <NUM>) is provided and is configured to permit adjustment of the timing, flow rate and/or pressure level of the pressurized air generated by a pump assembly <NUM> that is directed into and passes through an installed cartridge <NUM> during use. In some instances, the operating pressure may be relatively low, such as, for example, less than about <NUM> kPa or about <NUM> kPa (about <NUM> psi gauge pressure or about <NUM> psi gauge pressure).

Within the cartridge <NUM>, the pressurized air is directed to atomize the liquid <NUM> contained therein and to aid in the dispersion of the atomized liquid into the air space to be treated.

In some instances, it may be desirable to have an indirect route from the point of actual atomization of the liquid and a cartridge outlet <NUM> through which atomized particles exit from the cartridge <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail elsewhere, embodiments of the replaceable cartridges <NUM> described herein provide an atomization zone where liquid <NUM> from the cartridge <NUM> and pressurized air meet and are mixed. In addition, the cartridges <NUM> may also provide an expansion chamber or chambers within the cartridge <NUM> where the atomized liquid is retained until a portion of the atomized liquid is allowed to exit the cartridge <NUM> loaded in the host appliance <NUM>. As described in greater detail elsewhere, the cartridges <NUM> may combine storage of the liquid <NUM> to be diffused, an atomization structure to transform the liquid <NUM> into an airborne concentration, an expansion chamber or chambers, and optionally a tortuous path or passage towards the outlet <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, one example embodiment of an air treatment appliance <NUM> is illustrated and includes an appliance housing <NUM> and replaceable cartridges <NUM> to be selectively installed therein. As previously discussed, the appliance <NUM> is configured to treat a space with a diffused or aerosolized compound generated by a flow of air moving through the cartridge <NUM> which is entrained with liquid particles from liquid <NUM> contained in the cartridge <NUM>. For this purpose, the appliance <NUM> may include a plurality of controls <NUM>, such as, for example, a power on/off control <NUM> for powering up and powering down the appliance <NUM>, a play/pause control <NUM> for activating and deactivating air treatment programs for discharging aerosolized matter into the surrounding environment, and intensity controls <NUM> for adjusting the intensity or quantity of discharged matter into the surrounding environment. The appliance <NUM> may further include one or more indicators <NUM> (e.g., LEDs) for providing operational feedback signals, such as, for example, an intensity level at which the appliance <NUM> is operating. The appliance <NUM> may further include a power unit <NUM> for connecting the appliance <NUM> to a power outlet. In other embodiments, the appliance <NUM> may include an onboard power supply, such as an onboard rechargeable battery or battery pack, to facilitate use of the appliance <NUM> in a location that may be remote from a power outlet or other external power source.

With reference now to <FIG>, the replaceable cartridge <NUM> may include a cartridge housing <NUM> comprising a plurality of housing pieces coupled together to define a fluid receptacle having an internal cavity <NUM>, which is partially filled with the liquid <NUM> to be diffused. For example, in accordance with the example embodiment of the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the cartridge housing <NUM> includes an internal housing body <NUM> defining at least a portion of a receptacle for the liquid <NUM> to be aerosolized, an upper housing cap <NUM> including the cartridge outlet <NUM> through which the aerosolized matter is discharged during use, and an outer casing <NUM> surrounding at least a lower portion of the internal housing body <NUM>. In some instances, the at least some of the housing pieces, for example, the internal housing body <NUM> and the upper housing cap <NUM>, may be fixedly coupled together to prevent non-destructive disassembly of the cartridge <NUM>, making it effectively tamperproof. This may be desirable to prevent users from refilling and reusing a spent cartridge that may be ineffective or less effective in treating the space due to fouling or build-up of residue within the cartridge <NUM> from prior use.

As an example, and with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the internal housing body <NUM> and the upper housing cap <NUM> may be provided with interlocking structures <NUM>, <NUM> that snap or otherwise couple together in a manner that prevents non-destructive disassembly of the cartridge housing <NUM>. A seal <NUM>, such as an o-ring seal or other seal, may be provided between the internal housing body <NUM> and the upper housing cap <NUM> near the interlocking structures <NUM>, <NUM> to provide a liquid tight seal when the cartridge housing <NUM> is assembled. In this manner, the liquid <NUM> to be diffused may be prevented from leaking from the cartridge housing <NUM> at an interface between the internal housing body <NUM> and the upper housing cap <NUM>. Upon depletion of the liquid <NUM>, the cartridge <NUM> may be readily removed and replaced with a like cartridge <NUM> for continued treatment of the environment surrounding the host appliance <NUM>, and the depleted cartridge <NUM> may be discarded as an intact unit or collected for refurbishment purposes.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the internal housing body <NUM> and the outer casing <NUM> may be provided with interlocking structures <NUM>, <NUM> that couple together in a manner that prevents disassembly of the outer casing <NUM> from the internal housing body <NUM> until a threshold resistive force is overcome, after which the outer casing <NUM> may be removed from the internal housing body <NUM>. In other instances, the interlocking structures <NUM>, <NUM> may prevent non-destructive disassembly of the outer casing <NUM> from the remainder of the cartridge <NUM> to further assist in making the cartridge <NUM> tamperproof.

In accordance with the example embodiment of the replaceable cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the internal housing body <NUM> may be transparent or semi-transparent and the outer casing <NUM> may be opaque, and the outer casing <NUM> may be provided with a window <NUM> through which a level L of the liquid <NUM> to be aerosolized is viewable through an exposed portion <NUM> of the transparent or semi-transparent internal housing body <NUM>. Advantageously, the window <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> may have a size and a shape sufficient to observe the liquid level L of the liquid <NUM> in the internal housing body <NUM> as the liquid <NUM> transitions between a full level and an empty level. In this manner, a user can retrieve the cartridge <NUM> from the appliance <NUM> as desired and check the level of liquid <NUM> therein. As described in further detail elsewhere, additional functionality may be provided in connection with the appliance <NUM> for sensing a level of the liquid <NUM> in an installed cartridge throughout operation.

Although the cartridge housing <NUM> of the example cartridge <NUM> includes a liquid level viewing window <NUM>, in some embodiments, a replaceable cartridge may be provided without such a window <NUM>. In addition, the outer casing <NUM> may be omitted altogether. When provided, the outer casing <NUM> may have a shape that nests closely with the internal housing body <NUM>. For example, the outer casing <NUM> and the internal housing body <NUM> may each have a substantially cylindrical shape concentrically aligned forming a dual layer or dual wall receptacle.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the internal housing body <NUM>, upper housing cap <NUM>, and outer casing <NUM> may be fixedly coupled together to define the cartridge housing <NUM>. A cartridge inlet <NUM> may be provided at a bottom end of the internal housing body <NUM> to receive a flow of gas (e.g., air) during operation and the cartridge outlet <NUM> may be provided in the upper housing cap <NUM> for discharging diffused liquid generated by the cartridge <NUM> during operation. The cartridge inlet <NUM> and the cartridge outlet <NUM> may be aligned along a central axis A defined by the cartridge housing <NUM>. The cartridge housing <NUM> may be generally rotationally symmetric about the central axis A. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cartridge housing <NUM> may resemble a cylinder or similar receptacle with a mushroom or enlarged top end that is rotationally symmetric about the central axis A. In other instances, the cartridge housing <NUM> may be asymmetrically shaped and the cartridge inlet <NUM> and cartridge outlet <NUM> may not be aligned vertically along a common axis A. Respective caps or plugs <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided to temporarily close the cartridge inlet <NUM> and cartridge outlet <NUM> during storage, transport or the like to prevent fouling or contamination of the cartridge <NUM> or possible leakage of the liquid <NUM> contained therein.

Internal components and structures of the cartridge <NUM> and related functionality will now be described with continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, some of which generally track similar features and functionality disclosed in <CIT>, now <CIT>, and <CIT>, now <CIT>.

According to the illustrated embodiment of the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the internal components and structures provide, among other things, a flow path through the cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge inlet <NUM> to the cartridge outlet <NUM>, as represented by the arrows labeled 130a-<NUM>. When installed in the host diffusion appliance <NUM>, the cartridge inlet <NUM> is coupled to a source of pressurized gas <NUM> (e.g., pump <NUM> of <FIG>) such that the gas (e.g., air) may be periodically forced through the cartridge <NUM> as generally represented by the arrows labeled 130a-<NUM> to combine with the liquid <NUM> and to exit as a gas-liquid mixture comprising particularly small liquid particles carried by the gas, referred to generally herein as a diffused liquid or aerosolized matter. Details of the example pump <NUM> are not shown or described herein to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments; however, it will be appreciated that the pump <NUM> may be provided in a wide variety of different form factors, including, for example, the pump assemblies shown and described in <CIT>, now issued as <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pressurized gas enters the cartridge <NUM> through the cartridge inlet <NUM> at a bottom end of the housing <NUM> and then flows through a diffusion head <NUM> provided within the housing <NUM>, which includes a venturi device <NUM> for drawing the retained liquid <NUM> into the moving gas stream through an intake conduit <NUM>, after which the gas-liquid mixture moves through a cartridge insert <NUM> before exiting the cartridge <NUM> through the cartridge outlet <NUM>. More particularly, the pressurized gas enters the cartridge <NUM> through the cartridge inlet <NUM> at a bottom end of the housing <NUM>, as represented by the arrow label 130a, and then flows upwardly through a gas supply conduit <NUM> defined by a portion of the internal housing body <NUM>, as represented by the arrow labeled 130b. The gas then flows through the venturi device <NUM> drawing in liquid <NUM> from a fluid reservoir within the internal housing cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> via the intake conduit <NUM> to create a gas-liquid mixture comprising atomized liquid (also referred to herein as diffused liquid or aerosolized matter) that is discharged into an expansion chamber <NUM> provided by an upper portion <NUM> of the diffusion head <NUM>, as represented by the arrow labeled 130c. The diffused liquid is then directed toward an impact structure or surface <NUM> located opposite the venturi device <NUM> wherein at least some of the diffused liquid impacts and collects on the impact structure or surface <NUM> and is routed back to any remaining liquid <NUM> in the fluid reservoir to be reintroduced into the gas stream by the venturi device <NUM>. At least some other of the diffused liquid is redirected to flow down around bulkhead portions <NUM> of the diffusion head <NUM> and to pass through passageways <NUM> in the diffusion head <NUM> leading to a portion of the internal cavity <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> above the fluid level L of liquid <NUM> in the cartridge <NUM>, as represented by the arrows labeled 130d and 130e. From there, some of the diffused liquid may collect on the exposed interior surfaces of the housing <NUM> or other internal structures of the cartridge <NUM>, or otherwise precipitate out of the gas and atomized liquid, and rejoin the liquid <NUM> in the fluid reservoir to be reintroduced into the gas stream by the venturi device <NUM>. Some other of the diffused liquid may be propelled into the cartridge insert <NUM> via an inlet <NUM> thereof, as represented by the arrow labeled 130f. From the inlet <NUM> of the insert <NUM>, the diffused liquid proceeds along a tortuous passage (e.g., a spiral passage) through the cartridge insert <NUM>, as represented by the arrow labeled <NUM>, before passing through an outlet zone of the insert <NUM> and ultimately the cartridge outlet <NUM> to be discharged from the cartridge <NUM>, as represented by the arrow labeled <NUM>. In making this convoluted journey from the expansion chamber <NUM> to the cartridge outlet <NUM>, the liquid particle size distribution of the diffused liquid is refined such that only particularly fine particles are successfully discharged from the cartridge <NUM> with relatively larger particles collecting on one or more surfaces of the internal structures and components of the cartridge <NUM>, or otherwise precipitating out of the gas, for rejoinder with remaining liquid <NUM> in the liquid reservoir for reintroduction into the gas stream passing through the venturi device <NUM>.

With continued reference to the example embodiment of the replaceable cartridge shown in <FIG>, it will be appreciated that the cartridge housing <NUM> and internal components of the cartridge <NUM> may define a plurality of distinct chambers downstream of the venturi device <NUM> through which the diffused liquid sequentially travels before being discharged from the cartridge <NUM> and ultimately into a surrounding environment. More particularly, the upper portion <NUM> of the diffusion head <NUM> and a lower portion of the insert <NUM> may define a primary expansion chamber <NUM> immediately above the venturi device <NUM>, a secondary chamber may be provided external of the diffusion head <NUM> and the insert <NUM> within the internal cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> above the fluid level L of the liquid <NUM> to be diffused, and a tertiary chamber may be provided by the tortuous passage <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. Passageways or apertures <NUM> in the upper portion <NUM> of the diffusion head <NUM> provide fluid communication between the primary expansion chamber <NUM> and the secondary chamber. The upper portion <NUM> of the diffusion head <NUM> also defines a bulkhead or bulkhead portions <NUM> that impede the diffused liquid generated by the venturi device <NUM> from exiting the primary expansion chamber <NUM> other than through the plurality of passageways or apertures <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> of the insert <NUM> provides fluid communication between the secondary chamber and the tertiary chamber (i.e., the tortuous passage <NUM>). Although only one inlet <NUM> and one tortuous passage <NUM> is shown providing the sole passage for the diffused liquid to exit the cartridge <NUM>, it is appreciated that a plurality of inlets <NUM> may be provide to enable diffused liquid to enter one or more tortuous passages leading to the outlet <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> may also be positioned between an upper end of the insert <NUM> and the upper housing cap <NUM> with the gasket <NUM> forming a cover over the tortuous passage <NUM>.

The distinct chambers described above (i.e., the primary expansion chamber, the secondary chamber and the tertiary chamber) may collectively assist in refining the composition of the diffused liquid to include only the finest liquid particles as the diffused liquid moves sequentially through the chambers during operation. For instance, by the time the gas-liquid mixture exits from cartridge <NUM>, there has been some residence time in each of the distinct chambers to permit undesirably large liquid particles or droplets to precipitate out of or otherwise separate from the mixture and be returned to the liquid reservoir within the internal cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> for later atomization and dispersion. In this manner, the removable cartridge <NUM> and components thereof may provide a cartridge solution for a liquid diffusion appliance <NUM> which has an efficient form factor that is particularly effective at treating spaces with diffused liquid having extremely small liquid particles.

With continued reference to <FIG>, a liquid retention device <NUM>, such as, for example, an open cell foam plug, may be positioned within the gas supply conduit <NUM> adjacent the venturi device <NUM> to retain liquid <NUM> that may pass downward through the venturi device <NUM> into the gas supply conduit <NUM>. This may occur during shipping as liquid <NUM> may move through the intake conduit <NUM> into the venturi device <NUM> and unwantedly into the gas supply conduit <NUM>. In addition, it may occur when stopping the flow of air through the cartridge <NUM> which may result in some of the liquid expelled into the expansion chamber <NUM> settling back down into and passing through the venturi device <NUM>. The liquid retention device <NUM> may collect liquid <NUM> that unwantedly passes into the gas supply conduit <NUM> and retain the liquid <NUM> therein until the cartridge <NUM> is used again, at which time the air flowing through the cartridge <NUM> may clear the liquid <NUM> from the liquid retention device <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the replaceable cartridge <NUM> may further comprise an integrated circuit <NUM> coupled to the cartridge housing <NUM>, the integrated circuit including memory to store cartridge data associated with the replaceable cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge data may include, for example, a type of liquid <NUM> stored in the cartridge <NUM>, an amount of liquid <NUM> stored in the cartridge, a cartridge identifier from which to authenticate the cartridge <NUM>, and/or other data. The amount of liquid <NUM> may be measured directly, indirectly or otherwise estimated by usage history data or other techniques. For example, duration and intensity history data associated with the operation of the host appliance <NUM> and a particular cartridge <NUM> may be logged and used to estimate the amount of liquid <NUM> remaining in the cartridge <NUM>. In other instances, a weight of the liquid <NUM> may be directly or indirectly measured periodically to provide fluid level feedback functionality as described in more detail elsewhere. In still other instances, it is contemplated that the fluid level may be measured using an optical sensor or other techniques for observing the boundary between the liquid <NUM> and air space above the liquid <NUM> within the cartridge.

As shown in <FIG>, the integrated circuit <NUM> may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to a cartridge printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>. The cartridge PCB <NUM> may be coupled to the cartridge housing <NUM>, such as, for example, by adhesive or other joining techniques or devices. According to the example embodiment of the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the cartridge PCB <NUM> is located at a bottom end of the cartridge housing <NUM> and has an annular shape that nests with the bottom end of the cartridge housing <NUM>. The cartridge PCB <NUM> further comprises an electrical interface <NUM> in electrical communication with the integrated circuit <NUM> to enable retrieval of the cartridge data by an external system contacting the electrical interface <NUM>. According to the example embodiment, the electrical interface <NUM> includes a pair of annular conductors that are provided on a lower exposed face of the cartridge PCB <NUM> and are arranged to make contact with corresponding contacts <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) provided in the appliance <NUM>. The electrical interface <NUM> further includes at least one contact surface to mechanically couple the electrical interface <NUM> with at least one circuit contact surface of the integrated circuit <NUM> such that the control system <NUM> of the appliance <NUM> is able to communicate with the integrated circuit <NUM> and retrieve data from and optionally send data to the integrated circuit <NUM> via the electrical interface <NUM>. Although the example embodiment of the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes an integrated circuit <NUM> that is configured to communicate through a physical electrical connection (e.g., electrical interface <NUM>), it is appreciated that in some embodiments, the integrated circuit <NUM> may be configured for contactless communication with the control system <NUM> of the host appliance <NUM>, such as, for example, by including a re-writeable microchip that can be transcribed via radio waves.

Further details of the air treatment appliance <NUM> and components thereof will now be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. As previously described, the air treatment appliance <NUM> includes a replaceable cartridge <NUM> containing liquid <NUM> to be aerosolized and discharged through a cartridge outlet <NUM>, a pump assembly <NUM> operatively coupled to the replaceable cartridge <NUM> to supply air to the replaceable cartridge <NUM> to generate the aerosolized compound from the liquid <NUM>, a control system <NUM> operatively coupled to the pump assembly <NUM> for controlling the pump assembly <NUM> to supply the air to the replaceable cartridge <NUM> to generate the aerosolized compound and discharge the aerosolized compound from the cartridge outlet <NUM>, and an appliance housing <NUM> that accommodates the replaceable cartridge <NUM>, the pump assembly <NUM> and the control system <NUM> therewithin.

As shown in <FIG>, the appliance housing <NUM> of the example embodiment includes a base housing <NUM> and a cover <NUM> coupleable to the base housing <NUM> to define an internal cavity <NUM> within which components of the appliance <NUM>, such as, pump <NUM>, are accommodated. The appliance housing <NUM> may further include one or more internal housing components, such as, for example, a chassis <NUM>, for supporting various functional components of the appliance <NUM>. The functional components may include, for example, the pump <NUM>, one or more components of the control system 128a, and a lift mechanism <NUM> for moving the replaceable cartridge <NUM>, when installed, between different positions. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the appliance housing <NUM> may define or include a cartridge port <NUM> through which to receive the replaceable cartridge <NUM> and a cartridge cavity <NUM> cavity extending into the appliance housing <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM> within which the replaceable cartridge <NUM> is received during use, and within which the position of the replaceable cartridge <NUM> may be adjusted by the lift mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show additional details of the example embodiment of the lift mechanism <NUM>, which is coupled to the chassis <NUM> and accommodated within the internal cavity <NUM> of the appliance housing <NUM>. <FIG> shows the lift mechanism <NUM> in an assembled state with a lift carriage <NUM> thereof located at a loading position LP wherein the replaceable cartridge <NUM> may be installed in the appliance <NUM>. <FIG> shows the lift mechanism <NUM> in a partially exploded state with the lift carriage <NUM> thereof located at a home position HP, which may be used at startup to provide indexing functionality for system controls, to assess the liquid level in the cartridge <NUM>, or to facilitate other functionality.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the lift mechanism <NUM> includes or otherwise operates in conjunction with a lift enclosure <NUM>, which may be formed at least in part by the chassis <NUM> of the appliance housing <NUM>, another internal housing piece, and/or a separate lift enclosure component <NUM>. For example, a portion of the chassis <NUM> and a separate lift enclosure component <NUM> may join together in a friction fit, interference fit or snap fit to form a lift enclosure <NUM> which defines the cartridge cavity <NUM> within which the replaceable cartridge <NUM> is received during use, and within which the position of the replaceable cartridge <NUM> may be adjusted by the lift mechanism <NUM>. For this purpose, the chassis <NUM> and the separate lift enclosure component <NUM> may include various coupling arrangements, such as resilient projections or tabs and corresponding apertures, which enable the components to be joined together without separate fasteners. In other instances, separate fasteners or other joining techniques may be used to form the lift enclosure <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the lift mechanism <NUM> of the example embodiment includes the lift carriage <NUM>. The lift carriage <NUM> is configured to removably receive the replacement cartridge <NUM> and to move up and down within the cartridge cavity <NUM> with the replacement cartridge <NUM> supported thereon. The lift carriage <NUM> may include, for example, rails <NUM> that constrain the lift carriage <NUM> to translate back and forth within the cartridge cavity <NUM> within tracks <NUM> of the lift enclosure <NUM>. In this manner, the lift carriage <NUM> may operate akin to an elevator in an elevator shaft.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lift mechanism <NUM> of the example embodiment further includes a motor <NUM> (e.g., an electric stepper motor) in communication with a motor controller (not shown) of the control system <NUM> via electrical leads <NUM>, which is operable to drive the lift carriage <NUM> between different positions within the cartridge cavity <NUM>. For this purpose, the example embodiment includes a pinion <NUM> attached to a drive shaft of the motor <NUM> which is in meshed engagement with a gearwheel <NUM>. The gearwheel <NUM> includes a lift pin <NUM> extending therefrom which projects into a lift cavity <NUM> provided within the lift carriage <NUM>. The interaction of the lift pin <NUM> with the lift cavity <NUM> through rotation of the drive motor <NUM>, pinon <NUM> and gearwheel <NUM> causes the lift carriage <NUM> to move up and down within the cartridge cavity <NUM>. The example embodiment of the lift mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is configured to move the lift carriage <NUM> at least between a cartridge loading position LP, shown in <FIG>, wherein the lift pin <NUM> may be at located at top dead center of the rotational position of the gearwheel <NUM> and an operational positon (not shown) wherein the lift pin <NUM> may be located at bottom dead center of the rotational position of the gearwheel <NUM>. The lift mechanism <NUM> may be further configured to move the lift carriage <NUM> to a home position HP (or weighing position), wherein the lift pin <NUM> is caused to lose contact with the structure of the lift carriage <NUM> surrounding the lift cavity <NUM> such that the lift carriage <NUM> is temporarily disengaged from the drive motor <NUM> and intermediate drive train components (e.g., pinion <NUM> and gearwheel <NUM>).

According to some embodiments, a force sensor <NUM> may be provided in the cartridge cavity <NUM> and may be arranged such that the lift carriage <NUM> comes to rest upon the force sensor <NUM> when in the home position HP (or weighing positon), such that the force sensor <NUM> may be used to collect data indicative of a weight of the liquid <NUM> remaining in a replaceable cartridge <NUM> supported by the carriage <NUM>. This may be done by subtracting out the amount of force attributed to the lift carriage <NUM> and to the cartridge <NUM> when empty. In this manner, the lift carriage <NUM> may be driven to the home/weighing position as desired to detect the weight and hence amount of liquid <NUM> remaining in the cartridge <NUM> at any time. This information may then be stored in memory of the control system <NUM> and used to provide enhanced functionality such as, for example, alerts pertaining to liquid <NUM> in the cartridge <NUM> running low. This may include a visual display of one or more alerts on the appliance <NUM> itself or another device, such as a smartphone, that may be paired with or otherwise associated with the appliance <NUM>. The fluid level feedback functionality may also enable auto-replenishment of the cartridges <NUM>, such as re-ordering of one or more replacement cartridges <NUM> when the installed cartridge <NUM> hits a certain amount of remaining liquid <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>% of full capacity). Fluid level feedback may also enable the appliance <NUM> to optimize various control parameters, such as the flow velocity of the supplied air to the cartridge <NUM>, based at least in part on the amount of remaining liquid <NUM> in the cartridge <NUM>. To facilitate such functionality, the force sensor <NUM>, when provided, may be mounted to a circuit board <NUM> at a bottom end of the lift enclosure <NUM>, which may form a part of the control system <NUM> or otherwise communicate with the control system <NUM>, such as, for example, via a flex circuit component <NUM> or other electrical lead.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lift carriage <NUM> of the example embodiment includes an air stem <NUM> having an air passageway <NUM> for communicating a flow of air from an air source (e.g., pump <NUM> of <FIG>) into the replaceable cartridge <NUM> when installed for use. For this purpose, the air stem <NUM> may include a seal arrangement <NUM> that is sized and shaped to sealingly engage the gas supply conduit <NUM> of the replacement cartridge <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is pressed onto the air stem <NUM> to be supported by the lift carriage <NUM> during use. The air stem <NUM> may be in fluid communication with an air coupling <NUM> (e.g., nipple or other coupling) on an opposing side of a base platform <NUM> of the lift carriage <NUM>. The air coupling <NUM> may be configured to receive the flow of air from one or more air supply conduits <NUM>, <NUM> connected to the air supply. For example, a first supply conduit <NUM> may extend from an outlet of the air supply (e.g., outlet of pump <NUM>) to a bulkhead connection <NUM> and a second air supply conduit <NUM> may extend from the bulkhead connection <NUM> to the air coupling <NUM> on the lift carriage <NUM>. At least the second air supply conduit <NUM> may be provided as a flexible conduit to account for movement of the lift carriage <NUM> throughout its range of motion. Although the example embodiment is illustrated as having two separate air supply conduits <NUM>, <NUM> joined together at a bulkhead connection <NUM>, it is appreciated that a single conduit may be used or to route air to the cartridge <NUM>, or that more than two conduits may be used.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the lift mechanism <NUM> may further include a lift carriage circuit board <NUM> with exposed electrical contacts <NUM>, which are configured to make contact with the electrical interface <NUM> provided on the bottom of the replaceable cartridges <NUM> provided for use with the appliance <NUM>. The lift carriage circuit board <NUM> may form part of the control system <NUM> or otherwise communicate with the control system <NUM>, such as, for example, via a flex circuit component <NUM> or other electrical lead. The flex circuit component <NUM> or other electrical lead may be designed and arranged to account for the movement of the lift carriage <NUM> through its range of motion.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the lift mechanism <NUM> may further include a bulkhead <NUM> for mounting the motor <NUM> and other lift mechanism components in a suitable position for driving the lift carriage <NUM> as described herein. The bulkhead <NUM> may be coupled to a side of the lift enclosure <NUM> by suitable joining techniques, such as, for example, connection bosses 362a, 362b and corresponding threaded fasteners <NUM>. The bulkhead <NUM> may provide a suitable fixed connection (e.g., bulkhead connection <NUM>) for assisting in routing air to the replaceable cartridge <NUM> during use and minimizing movement of the air supply conduit <NUM> as the fore end of the air supply conduit <NUM> moves with the lift carriage <NUM>. The bulkhead <NUM> may also provide a mounting location for a limit switch <NUM> that may be arranged relative to the lift carriage drive components to sense when the lift carriage <NUM> has been driven to the home position HP, as shown in <FIG>. The limit switch <NUM> may be in electrical communication with the control system <NUM> to provide an indexing function at startup for determining a rotational position of the drive motor <NUM> from which to base subsequent movements of the lift carriage <NUM>. In other instances, a motor having positional feedback may be used such that indexing of the motor <NUM> is not needed. As shown in <FIG>, the gearwheel <NUM> may include a projection <NUM> arranged to trip the limit switch <NUM> when the lift carriage <NUM> reaches the home position HP, or other chosen position.

<FIG> provides a system diagram, according to one example embodiment, of an air treatment system <NUM> comprising an air treatment appliance, such as, for example, the example embodiment of the air treatment appliance <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, and a replaceable cartridge installable in the appliance <NUM> and containing a liquid to be discharged as aerosolized matter, such as the replaceable cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As can be appreciated from a review of <FIG>, the appliance <NUM> may include a control system <NUM> that is configured to receive one or more control inputs from a physical user interface (e.g., controls <NUM>) of the appliance <NUM> and/or an application interface <NUM>, which may be provided via a smartphone or other computing device to control the appliance <NUM> remotely. The control system <NUM> is operatively coupled to a lift mechanism <NUM> that is configured to receive an installable cartridge <NUM> containing liquid to be discharged by the appliance <NUM>, and to move the cartridge <NUM> among different operating positions. The control system <NUM> is also operatively coupled to an air source (e.g., pump <NUM>) for supplying air flow through the cartridge <NUM> for generating the aerosolized matter from the liquid contained in the cartridge <NUM> for discharge into the surrounding environment. The cartridge <NUM> includes a cartridge PCB <NUM> and an associated integrated circuit <NUM> for storing cartridge information and enabling the transfer of information between the cartridge <NUM> and the control system <NUM> to provide enhanced functionality. In some particularly advantageous embodiments, cartridge information may be obtained by the control system <NUM> and transmitted to a remote device or devices, such as a smartphone, for displaying various indications, alerts or other information to a user of the appliance <NUM> based at least in part on the information stored by the cartridge <NUM> and/or control system <NUM> of the appliance <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> provide representative screenshots of an application interface <NUM>, which may be provided via a smartphone or other computing device paired with an associated air treatment appliance <NUM> via wireless communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi).

<FIG> illustrates a main dashboard screen that provides a user interface for controlling the air treatment appliance <NUM> through the application. Similar to the controls <NUM> which may be provided on the appliance <NUM>, the user interface may include controls for powering up and powering down the appliance <NUM>, controls for initiating, pausing and/or stopping a treatment schedule, and controls for modifying the intensity of the treatment, such as, by increasing the amount of aerosolized matter discharged into the space to be treated. The user interface may further include one or more indications pertaining to use and operation of the device, such as, for example, the status of the appliance (e.g., device powered on or device powered off) and the amount of liquid remaining in a cartridge <NUM> that is installed in the appliance <NUM>. For example, in the context of a cartridge <NUM> containing a scented liquid compound or liquid fragrance, the user interface may provide a display of the remaining liquid fragrance (e.g., <NUM>% remaining) as depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a scheduling screen which provides a user interface for creating one or more treatment episodes, which may include, for example, a desired day and time in which air treatment will take place and an intensity level with which the surrounding air will be treated. A plurality of scheduled episodes may be created and saved in memory. The scheduled episodes may be activated and deactivated as desired to manage air treatment activities as desired.

<FIG> illustrates a device list screen which provides a user interface for managing a plurality of air treatment appliances that may be managed via the application interface <NUM>. For example, the device list screen may enable a user to select from a list of available appliances <NUM> for control or management of a particular appliance <NUM> from the list. A device identifier may be provided for each device, and may be accompanied by an indication of the type of liquid contained in a cartridge <NUM> associated with the appliance <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a liquid list screen which provides a user interface for displaying information pertaining to the liquid contents of the cartridges <NUM> loaded in the user's device(s). Such information may include usage history information including the date the cartridge was installed, elapsed run time, intensity level history and/or an amount of remaining liquid in a particular cartridge based on such usage history. The example screenshot of <FIG>, for example, indicates a liquid fragrance compound named "curiosity" is available for discharge from a host appliance <NUM>. Operational controls for discharging the liquid fragrance and/or accessing information pertaining to the liquid <NUM> or host cartridge <NUM> may be accessed from the list. In addition, functionality may be provided for re-ordering the liquid fragrance and/or setting up automatic replenishment thereof.

<FIG> illustrates an account settings screen which provides a user interface for managing account information from which to manage control of the associated liquid diffusion appliance or appliances <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an app settings screen which provides a user interface for managing various aspects of the application, including, for example, establishing a setting (e.g., <NUM>% of remaining liquid) for generating a low liquid level alert, or establishing a preference for the display type of various data, such as, for example, displaying the remaining liquid in percentage form or alternatively in estimated remaining run time.

<FIG> illustrates an appliance details screen which provides a user interface for accessing information pertaining to one or more user appliances <NUM>. Appliance information may include, for example, device name, device status, type of liquid contained in cartridge <NUM> loaded in the device, model type, firmware version and update information, and/or appliance serial number or other identifier information. In some instances, the application interface <NUM> enables a user to customize the name of the user's appliance(s) for ease of recognition, as depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate instructional screens which provide instructions and related information to assist in setting up and using one or more air treatment appliances <NUM> that may be paired with a smartphone or other computing device on which the app may be installed for controlling or otherwise communicating with the appliance(s) <NUM>.

In connection with the various aspects of the user interfaces shown and described with reference to <FIG>, it is appreciated that a scent delivery system for controllably delivering scented aerosolized matter to an external environment may be provided which includes: a liquid diffusion appliance <NUM> configured to receive a replaceable cartridge <NUM> that includes a venturi device <NUM> for generating the scented aerosolized matter from liquid <NUM> contained within the replaceable cartridge <NUM>, and configured to move air through the replaceable cartridge <NUM> to assist in generating the scented aerosolized matter; one or more control circuits; one or more processors; one or more antennas; and at least one memory, the at least one memory including instructions that, upon execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more control circuits, cause the scent delivery system to provide, via a user interface of a client device (e.g., smartphone) associated with a user of the client device, an indication of an amount of liquid remaining in the replaceable cartridge <NUM>. In some instances, the instructions may further cause the scent delivery system to provide, via the user interface of the client device associated, one or more indications of information related to a power status of the liquid diffusion appliance and/or an intensity of the scented aerosolized matter being generated by the liquid diffusion appliance. In some instances, the instructions may further cause the scent delivery system to provide, via the user interface of the client device, one or more indications of information related to an adjustable delivery schedule of the scented aerosolized matter, including one or more delivery time periods and one or more intensity levels associated with the one or more delivery time periods or portions thereof. In some instances, the instructions may further cause the associated client device or a display of the liquid diffusion appliance to display one or more alerts related to a low amount of liquid remaining in the replaceable cartridge. In some instances, the instructions further cause the associated client device or a display of the liquid diffusion appliance to display one or more indications of information pertaining to characteristics of the replaceable cartridge or liquid contained therein, including an indication of the type of liquid contained in the replaceable cartridge. The liquid diffusion appliance may be one of a plurality of liquid diffusion appliances, and each liquid diffusion appliance may be configured to provide one or more indications of information pertaining to the liquid diffusion appliance and/or a replaceable cartridge received therein to the user interface of the client device. These and other aspects may be provided in connection with a computing device having an installed app for controlling one or more liquid diffusion appliances to which the computing device may be paired.

It may be noted that the air treatment appliances <NUM>, replaceable cartridges <NUM>, and components thereof disclosed herein may include operational control via control system <NUM> for varying the pressure, flow velocity and/or timing of operation of the onboard air source (e.g., pump <NUM>) to provide air flow through the cartridge <NUM>. In addition to using the control system <NUM> to alter the amount of liquid diffused or aerosolized by the appliance <NUM> and the corresponding degree of treatment of a space, the control system <NUM> may be used to provide other functionality, such as, for example, providing one or more alerts to a user of the appliance <NUM> related to the state of the fluid level in the cartridge <NUM> or other indications for facilitating control of the appliance or otherwise enhancing user experience, such as, for example, providing an interface through which to schedule the release of the aerosolized matter from the cartridge <NUM>, as discussed above. Again, this may include, for example, a GUI provided on a smartphone or other computing device that may be paired with the appliance <NUM> through the use of wireless communication technology, which may allow a user to set the timing and intensity of different air treatment episodes. As such, a user may be able to tailor air treatment activities as desired, such as, to coordinate the release of scented compounds into a room at a time or times when the user is expected to be present or in advance of the expected arrival of one or more occupants.

In connection with the embodiments described herein, it will be also appreciated that various related methods may be provided. For example, one example method implemented by a processor-based electronic liquid diffusion device, such as, for example, the appliance <NUM> of <FIG>, may be summarized as including: receiving a signal indicative of a replaceable cartridge <NUM> being received by the liquid diffusion device <NUM>, the replaceable cartridge <NUM> containing liquid <NUM> to be aerosolized; authenticating the replaceable cartridge <NUM> to ensure compatibility with the liquid diffusion device <NUM> based on identification data stored by the replaceable cartridge <NUM>; controlling movement of the replaceable cartridge <NUM> from a cartridge loading position LP to an operational position (not shown) after authenticating the replaceable cartridge <NUM>; and controlling air flow through the replaceable cartridge <NUM> to discharge aerosolized matter generated from the liquid <NUM> contained in the authenticated replaceable cartridge <NUM>. The method may further include periodically controlling the replaceable cartridge to move to a home position HP (or weigh position), and collecting data indicative of a level of liquid <NUM> remaining in the replaceable cartridge <NUM>. The data may then be used to provide fluid level feedback functionality, such as, by providing an indication of fluid level via a client device or the liquid diffusion device <NUM> itself. For example, the data indicative of the level of fluid remaining in the replaceable cartridge may be transmitted to a client device (e.g., smartphone) for displaying a remaining amount of liquid <NUM> to a user as the amount decreases from a full amount to an empty amount. In this manner, a user can, among other things, reorder one or more cartridges <NUM> in response to a low level indication. In addition, in some instances, a user may establish automatic replenishment of cartridges <NUM> when certain predefined conditions are met (e.g., current cartridge drops to <NUM>% of full capacity).

In some instances, collecting the data indicative of the level of fluid remaining in the replaceable cartridge <NUM> may include sensing a weight of the replaceable cartridge <NUM> via a sensor <NUM> contained in the liquid diffusion device <NUM>. This may include direct or indirect measurement using one or more suitable sensors, such as, for example, a force sensor or optical sensor.

Claim 1:
A replaceable cartridge for a liquid diffusion device, the replaceable cartridge comprising:
a cartridge housing (<NUM>) including a plurality of housing pieces fixedly coupled together and defining an internal housing cavity (<NUM>) partially filled with a liquid (<NUM>) to be aerosolized; and
a venturi device (<NUM>) positioned within the internal housing cavity (<NUM>) for generating aerosolized matter from the liquid (<NUM>) contained in the internal housing cavity (<NUM>),
wherein the plurality of housing pieces include an internal housing body (<NUM>) defining at least a portion of a receptacle for the liquid (<NUM>) to be aerosolized, an upper housing cap (<NUM>) including an outlet (<NUM>) through which the aerosolized matter is discharged during use, and an outer casing (<NUM>) surrounding at least a lower portion of the internal housing body(<NUM>),
wherein the internal housing body (<NUM>) defines at least a portion of a gas supply conduit (<NUM>) that extends from a bottom end of the replaceable cartridge to the venturi device (<NUM>) and through the liquid (<NUM>) to be aerosolized, and
characterized in that a liquid retention device (<NUM>) is positioned within the gas supply conduit (<NUM>) adjacent the venturi device (<NUM>) to retain liquid (<NUM>) that may pass downward through the venturi device (<NUM>) into the gas supply conduit (<NUM>).